Red Thread

Eatrip

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Life is just an eating trip.

That's the tagline for one of the most delightful documentaries I've seen in a long time. Eatrip explores the major role food plays in the lives of a few individuals in Japan who have made a commitment to engage with the food and drink they consume on a thoughtful, conscientious, and joyful level that is rare these days.

I liked the way the people talked about their beliefs in firm and minimal terms. Watching as they took such care, diligence, and fulfillment in preparing green tea or washing grain was really inspiring. It reminded me of my uncle in Kure who grows his own vegetables in his tiny backyard. I would be thrilled to share a meal with any of the people in Eatrip, especially because they espouse the same beliefs in food culture that I hold. I love being around people who are passionate about food as I am, but there are facets of "foodies" that turn me off - mainly when the emphasis is shifted to dining spots with cult status or "authentic" rather than on the food itself or the act of sharing a meal. Those attitudes take the simple joy of eating (community, sharing, nourishment, savoring the flavor and appreciating the food preparation) and drag it into a realm of elitism, which is such a turn-off. Whenever someone stresses authenticity as a barometer for the quality of the food at a restaurant, I can barely suppress an eye roll. Personally, my concerns are only that the meal tastes good and won't make me ill. Anyway, enough of my complaining. Eatrip is wonderfully pared down - no statistics or charts, no preaching, no "bad guys" - and it's joyful and celebratory, which is rare these days when most documentaries are full of doom and gloom. It's just lovely in its simplicity.

Next up: photos of an "eatrip" with friends, during which I found this very film

The Brothers Bloom

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

While I couldn't help but think of Wes Anderson while watching The Brothers Bloom, this film still struck me as a movie with its own soul and story to tell. Like Penelope (another one of my favorites), it takes place in present day, yet is evocative of both an classic parable (in its structure and narration) and a 1940's comedy (in its tightly-styled costumes, dialogue, and mannerisms). I love a good caper flick and the fact that the story has its characters globe-trotting makes me love it even more.

Images by Yahoo Movies

A Mighty Wind

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not a "music person" by any stretch. Anything in my iTunes library that could be considered remotely cool was snuck in there by an ex-boyfriend. Even within the genres that I enjoy and discovered on my own - old jazzy standards, tango, and opera - I don't really make the effort to seek out new music. I'm much more of a "movie person", so it's soundtracks that take up the bulk of my iTunes library. The one album that I've been enjoying the hell out of is A Mighty Wind. I had seen the movie a few years ago and liked it well enough, but listening to each song in its entirety is really making me appreciate the movie on a whole different level. For those who haven't seen the movie, the songs might sound like cheesy, relentlessly-chipper folk songs. But within the context of the mockumentary, the journey the characters have gone through give each song so much more depth. It's impossible not to hear the pathos and undercurrent disappointment that finally had led to the quirky joy reflected in the songs. That makes each track all the more joyous and sweet to me.They remind me of that first hint of happiness experienced after a super long, massively difficult period, when you reach the other side and finally feel some semblance of balance again. Any positive feelings are felt on a deeper level and even if nothing in your situation has really changed, your perspective has shifted just enough so that you're simply content. Listening to this soundtrack reminds me that on some level, happiness is a choice.

I found these two You Tube videos to give you a preview, but left off my favorite song - "A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow" - so you can discover it for yourself within the movie. It's totally worth seeking out!

Mendocino and Fort Bragg

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

If the tango workshop I attended in December was inspirational, and the bed-and-breakfast I stayed in (and that hosted the workshop) was inspired, then I would have to describe my wander through the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg, which is where Weller House Inn is located, as restorative. The drive from the Bay Area to Fort Bragg was one of the most gorgeous drives I've ever been on. The unseasonably glorious weather only amplified the beauty of the landscape. A few times, I had to stop my car to jump out and take some photos; there was just too much beauty to resist.

I couldn't believe how quiet it was when I took the photos below. There was a hush and stillness among those trees that, while at first was unsettling, morphed into something soothing. I guess for someone as anxious and wound up as I can be, that kind of deep silence takes a while to get comfortable with.

The photo below is the only one I took of Fort Bragg, and I wish I could have explored that town more.

On the second day of the workshop, we had a few hours before the last set of classes, so I used that time to explore the Mendocino headlands. Walking along the park reminded me of Mori Point in Pacifica, one of my favorite natural parks/walks/beaches.

The workshop ended with just enough time for me to stop in Mendocino to catch the magic show below.

Images by me

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Here are two snapshots of what my New Years' Eve looked like - fireworks at the Ferry Building followed by lovely drinks at Tosca (those glasses are not all mine!). I have a really wonderful feeling about 2012, a sense of optimism and excitement that I haven't felt in a long time. I wish all of you the same.

Images by me; taken with my iPhone's Shake It application

2011 helped me find my smile

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

2011 was a challenging year for me, but it's one I'll always feel affection for whenever I think back on it. I was pushed and pulled to places where I'd never thought I'd be able to stand with two solid legs. It was a year of discovery, harsh realities, acceptance, validation, growth, and, most importantly, forward momentum. All those lessons led me to be kinder to myself than I ever had been before, and that has made all the difference in the way I feel right now. I found a genuine way to be happy, and that's what I hold in my heart as I enter 2012. 2011 was a tricky bugger, but it made me find my smile. So with this year coming to a close, it's fun to remember all the things and experiences, both great and small, that made me smile this year.

One of my resolutions for 2011 was to read the written word more (and that does not include magazines). True to my promise, I've devoured a selection of books with an enthusiasm that had been dormant since my bookworm days in high school. I've been keeping a ongoing reading list, but below are my 2011 selections:

In the Skin of a Lion / M. Ondaatje (in the middle of this right now)
Auberge of the Flowering Hearth / R. de Groot
One Day / D. Nicholls
A Moveable Feast / E. Hemingway
Dickens on France / ed. by J. Edmondson (1/2)
Anna Karenina / L. Tolstoy
Never Let Me Go / K. Ishiguro (1/2)
Not Under Forty / W. Cather
Sake: a modern guide / B. Timken

Maybe it was because of the forced break my broken ankle forced me to take, but I don't think I've consumed as many movies in one year as I have in 2011. It seemed like every month, there was always a new release to be enthusiastic about or I would find something on television or Netflix that I absolutely adored. As with my reading list, I also keep a movie list, but here are the titles that I saw in 2011 that got my heart beat faster:

A Letter to Three Wives
Drive
Attack the Block
In the City of Sylvia
Midnight in Paris
Super 8
Hugo
I am Love
Beginners
Jane Eyre
Shame
Get Low
Animal Kingdom
Piranha
Joe Versus the Volcano
The Guard
Certified Copy
Network
City Island
The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover
Bridesmaids
Being Elmo
Le Cercle Rouge
The Amateurs
13 Assassins
Go
White Material
Fish Tank
The Secret in Their Eyes
Un Prophet
In a Day
Restrepo
Joan Rivers: a Piece of Work
Captain America: the First Avenger
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil

This year I was fortunate to seek out and find some extraordinary places and record those experiences with my trusty sidekick (a.k.a. my camera).

Central Coast Day 1 | Day 2| Day 3
Pie Ranch Farm
Collins Lake
Macarons class
Corn Maze
Addendum
Cornerstone Gardens
Hakone Gardens
Montalvo Arboretum
Tango Weekend in Fort Bragg and Mendocino (photos come soon!)

Wow, writing all this out has made me appreciate 2011 even more. I packed a lot into 1 year. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012! And thank you from the very bottom of my heart for reading my little blog!

Image of Mendocino by me

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

I hope this holiday season is filled with lots of warmth, love, and yummy snacks for you all!

Image by me

Weller House Inn

2011-12-21T05:00:00.001-08:00

I had written about the tango workshop I attended a few weeks ago, but I haven't shown you the charming bed-and-breakfast I stayed at and that also hosted the tango workshop - the Weller House Inn. Built in 1886, Weller House Inn is included in the National Register of Historic Places. I love the delicate balance that Weller House Inn achieves in its decor. As soon as you enter the lobby the antique furniture and details help you appreciate the rich history of the building, but the decor is restrained enough so that the ambiance is more charming than spooky.

The tango classes and milonga were held in a beautiful redwood-panelled ballroom on the top floor. The views from the three windows were so distracting during class. The entire weekend had gorgeous winter sunlight flooding the ballroom that made both the couples indoor dancing look dreamy and elegant and the outside views spectacular. It was hard not to draw my gaze outside and start daydreaming (just like I used to do all the time in grade school). I absolutely loved my room; you can see a small corner of it in the second photo from the top, on the left. With sunlight pouring in from both windows, it felt warm and welcoming after a long drive. It was also nice to have a private room to retreat to after a few hours of dancing. One of my favorite moments was taking off my dance sneakers after the milonga and feeling the warmth from the radiant heating through the floor boards. Another welcome sight was the giant, white clawfoot bathtub in the bathroom, which was decorated with charming floor tiles and a beautiful stained glass window. Taking a long soak in that big tub felt like heaven at the end of the night. I've also got some photos of beautiful Mendocino and Fort Bragg, which I'll share with you soon.

Images by me

Winter Potluck

2011-12-18T23:18:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a fun and cozy winter potluck. Before I ran out the door, I snapped a photo of my contribution - an apple, pear, and raspberry crumble. The photo above shows my dessert in its pre-baked state; I thought it would be better to bake it at the hosts' home, so we could enjoy it fresh from the oven. I used Ina's Plum and Raspberry Crumble recipe, but substituted the plums for pears and apples. With a scoop of Three Twins Madagascar Vanilla ice cream on top, I think my variation was a success :)

Image from me

Tango weekend

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since I first saw the trailer for Sally Potter's The Tango Lesson, I've been a fool for Argentine tango. I love the music, I love dancing the tango, and I love watching people dance. I had resolved earlier this year to attend more classes, but then I broke my ankle, so my dancing aspirations had to be put on hold. Earlier this month, I found the perfect event to help me ease back into dancing in the form of a retreat in beautiful Fort Bragg. I was a bit nervous about attending on account of my ankle, but my doctor and physical therapists gave me the "okay" and I substituted my high heels for a pair of unglamorous, yet hyper-comfy dance sneakers (my friend calls them submarines, which made me laugh. It's so true!).

Included in the retreat is a milonga, which was kicked off by an impromptu performance by our awesome instructors. Watching them glide around the dance floor with so much skill and elegance brought to my mind the line from Singin' in the Rain: "She's so refined, I think I'll kill myself." They just ooze old-school class and glamour and remind me why I love the dance so much.

Images by me

Hugo

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I saw Hugo last night and was absolutely enthralled and dazzled from the first frame to the last. The few details that I gleaned from scanning the glowing reviews - the setting: a pre-WWII Parisian train station; the hero: an adorable, plucky underdog; the plot: a mystery revolving around a broken automaton - already piqued my interest. It reminded me a little of Cinema Paradiso in its celebration of film making. And the performances, even the peripheral characters, are perfect - restrained, yet manages to move you deeply. The two lead kids are excellent - adventurous, observant, and endlessly curious. Ben Kingsley just breaks your heart. Sasha Baren Cohen is subtly hilarious. This is my favorite kind of tearjerker - when the characters find a way to move past their heartbreak and ultimately stumble upon a new kind of happiness. The movie itself is just really gorgeous to look at. I've always loved the look of early 20th century Paris, and this movie bathes everyone and everything in a beautiful light that is so crisp and vibrant, yet manages to convey warmth. Oh, and the other thing that won my heart - it incorporated tango music and dancing!

The biggest surprise was how much 3D contributed to the storytelling. I had already written 3D off as lame and a waste of money, but now I'm happy to eat my words after seeing it put to such good use. The way 3D was used in this film felt like a different kind of immersive experience. It's really pretty genius how this film incorporated 3D into its story. A large part of Hugo is a love letter to film making when it was in its infancy and how it drew the audience into the story and ignited the imagination. Watching it in 3D gave me the same sense of wonderment that I can only imagine the characters felt when they saw the first "moving pictures." The film is a giant ode not just to the final product, but to the whole process of putting a film together - from the mechanics of the machines and cameras, to splicing the film, to building the sets, to working with actors and crew and special effects - and how all the elements come together to make something magical. I guess in a larger sense, this movie can be an ode, not just to movie making, but of learning and creating things that come from the heart.

Images from Hugo site

Montalvo Arboretum

2011-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Montalvo Arts Center was a sweet find just a few miles away from Hakone Gardens. Part artist residence, concert space, and garden, Montalvo is a space for inspiration, reconnecting with nature, and encouragement of art, music, and architecture. I really enjoyed walking around this quiet and lovely oasis.

Images from me

Give Thanks

2011-11-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! The season of major overindulgence is in full swing. For most people, it's the big meals that do them in, but for me, it's the snacks. Always the snacks. Mindlessly reaching for popcorn, chips, and cookies has always been my downfall. While I've made huge improvements in controlling my snacking, I do plan to indulge my sweet tooth today.

Today and everyday, I have so much to be thankful for. From a macro point of view, with everything going on in the world (from natural disasters to man-made ones) all the way to a micro perspective, I really do feel like one lucky chica. Actually, I feel that way whenever I watch the news. Not only can I look at my life now and be thankful for and all the advantages that I've been given. I'm also in the fortunate position to have so many good things to look forward to in the future. It's an extremely privileged position, and I'm so grateful.

Image from me

Hakone Gardens

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure if a crisp Fall day would be a good day to visit Hakone Gardens. My skepticism proved unwarranted however when I was greeted with the vibrant, golden colors typically associated with this season. Even the fish, dressed in striking orange, black, and white, seemed to welcome me. The sun hid behind scattered, dense clouds, and created the softest light once it peaked through the bamboo trees. It was one of those lovely days when all I could hear was the gentle crunch of gravel underneath my boots, and there is a sweet hush in the air.

Images from me

Downton Abbey

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

I've recently jumped on the Downton Abbey bandwagon, and I cannot. get. enough. The characters are so richly drawn and the acting is so perfect, they really pull you into this world and you can't help but root for them through the high's and low's in season one. If I was asked to name my favorite characters I would choose Sybil, Matthew, and Anna. Downton Abbey reminds me a little of the movie The Remains of the Day in how it shows the hierarchy and the complex system that goes into running an estate and servants took extremem pride in whom they served. I had a really hard time wrapping my brain around that mentality, but watching Downton Abbey and seeing the interaction and dynamic between the servants and the family helped me understand why the relationship wasn't strictly employer/employee. Season two airs in January for us in the States, and I can't wait!

Image via IMDB

Cornerstone Sonoma

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I heard about Cornerstone Sonoma from my new friend Vicki, who, like me, loves to take mini-road adventures. As a budding landscape architect, Vicki highly recommended their series of garden installations designed by celebrated landscape architects. After my glorious and filling lunch, it felt nice to get a little exercise and be inspired by the gorgeous sculptures and flora. (Click on the photos for a larger view.)

images from me

Addendum

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I treated myself to a one-day getaway to beautiful Cornerstone Gardens (photos coming soon!). Since I was already going to the wine country, I decided to try and see if I could grab lunch at Addendum, a to-go window at the back of the famous and fabulous Ad Hoc restaurant (I don't know if it's actually fabulous; I've never been there, but I hear nothing but good things). That day they offered a choice of ribs or their signature buttermilk fried chicken. It was a tough choice, but I'm so glad I chose the fried chicken. It was totally worth the drive! The crispy skin is packed with flavor that is delicate, yet specific (if that makes any sense) and complements, instead of overwhelms, the taste of the chicken. I couldn't believe how much flavor I was tasting from the chicken itself. It really highlights the importance of using high quality meat, produce, and other ingredients. Accompanying the amazing fried chicken was an incredibly moist, yet firm honey cornbread. I'm a huge fan of cornbread, so the addition of honey was nearly too much for my already overloaded taste buds.

Addendum offers picnic tables for guests who choose to eat there, and I can't think of a more apt setting. Amongst Adhoc's vegetable and herb garden, underneath soaring trees with fallen fruit and vegetables scattered on the soft dirt, the spot is a lovely representation for the kind of food ethos that restaurants like Ad Hoc promote. I was so charmed by the food, the people, and the setting, I'm already plotting an excuse to head in Addendum's direction again.

images from me

Girl on the Bridge

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Girl on the Bridge was one of the movies I saw during Josephine's Great Broken Ankle Induced Movie Bend of 2011. The magical realism reminded me a little of Amelie, and I loved how the black-and-white look made the movie seem like a fairy tale even though it takes place in present day. Plus, I'm always intrigued by stories of two out-of-luck characters who, once they join forces, are absolutely awesome together (think The Sting or The Cooler).

Image from Yahoo

Autumn is here

2011-11-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

I think last weekend was the Bay Area's remaining days of divine Indian Summer for this year. This week a persistent wind accompanies the sunny days, and nightfall brings a chill in the air. It's the perfect weather for a big bowl of rich chocolat chaud, topped with a jumbo vanilla bean marshmallow bien sûr.

Image by me

America in Primetime

2011-11-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

I caught the first episode of America in Primetime last night, and I can't wait to see the next three episodes. Each series explores the four archetypes typically found in American television, and as a longtime television fan, I found it really fascinating. They discuss not only present day examples, but past examples and the evolution of those archetypes.

Even though there is no shortage of trashy shows on television, I also think that right now is one of the "golden ages" for television. There are so many riveting stories and nuanced characters taking us through their complex worlds that it's truly hard to keep up with the shows on the air, not to mention all the ones that are now available on DVD and Netflix streaming. I was just talking with a friend about how these days I have to make a conscious decision NOT to dive into certain shows - even if all my friends insist that I'd love it (e.g. Lost, Dr. Who) - because I'm already "committed" to shows that I'm in the middle of (e.g., The Wire, Friday Night Lights, Deadwood) and I have this crazy obsession with finishing the series. Champagne problems, right?

The first episode of America in Primetime was about the role of the Independent Woman and cited Roseanne, Murphy Brown, Carrie (Sex and the City), Nurse Jackie, and the Good Wife as examples. Off the top of my head, I myself would choose Clair Huxtable (Cosby Show), Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation), and Jane Timoney (Prime Suspect, American version). What about you? Who are your favorite Independent Women in television, movies, literature?

Image from PBS

Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze

2011-10-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

My good buddy Claudia and I had been talking about going to visit a hay maze for months. Ever the master organizer, Claudia found a hardcore corn maze in Dixon, nailed down a date, and gathered a group of friends who were also game. My only concern was my ankle, which is still healing from my tumble at Collins Lake. While I'm not completely healed yet, I was strong enough to walk/limp on my own and I planned on taking my time finding my way through the maze. We arrived at Cool Patch Pumpkins on a gorgeous Sunday to be greeted with a the fanciest pumpkin patch I had ever visited. The creative decorations struck every chord of cute, kitschy, and creepy. Oh, and the maze was hard! I'm so glad to have friends who were not only free of injuries, but have an excellent sense of directions.

images from me

Metallic Gold Flowers: a Lesson in Inspiration, not Replication

2011-10-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

In early 2010, I got into the habit of running around my neighborhood in the early morning. Even though I missed jogging at Mori Point, by Spring the sight of the neighborhood's blooming wisteria and cherry blossoms worked their charms on me. One of my favorite moments was when I was running underneath a row of cherry blossom trees while a barely perceptible sprinkle began. Far ahead of me, the sun was just beginning to peak through a cloud and lit the drops like crystals while cherry blossoms descended to form a pink carpet around me. It felt both majestic and delicate. After a few months, my body could no longer tolerate running on hard pavement, so my neighborhood jogs came to an end. However, the magic of that moment inspired me in decorating a small corner of my apartment.

My original plan was to hang a tree branch from the ceiling and attach pink cherry blossom paper flowers, but something about that plan seemed "off" to me. I think it was at attempt to replicate the source of the inspiration too closely, which would never come close to making it feel authentic and magical. This was a good lesson for me; that in creative work, it's not about replicating the source, but more about evoking the feeling that resonated with me. I also knew that I wanted to actually create something, not just hang a bunch of pre-made supplies. So I decided that it would be fun to make my own paper flowers, but... that didn't seem to be enough. The thought of buying pretty paper struck me as "meh", but I also couldn't think of any paper that would give this project that special "ingredient" that seemed to be missing, a component that would give it more feeling.

It was around this time that I was getting really enamored with watercolor again, especially after seeing Jordan's beautiful work. My other obsession lately had been delicate metallics, a kickass example of which is the 2011 calendar from See Saw design which sits above my desk and acted as another source of inspiration. I started to connect the dots of all the things I found myself drawn to and an idea formed in my mind. The softness of watercolor + the warmth of a golden hue + the dazzle of metallic = metallic gold watercolor? Does that even exist? I wondered if I would get a lot of weird looks when I asked about it at art supply stores, but fortunately, not only does my gold metallic watercolor does exist, I managed to find it on sale!

Purchasing paper and special paint just to create paper flowers might not make a lot of sense to people but that was the only way this project made sense to me. Creating things by hand gives the end product more meaning to me, and it's what gave this project that magical essence that I wanted to recreate from my neighborhood jogs. This was the point when the whole project clicked for me and felt like it was forming itself (if that makes any sense).

For the paper, I chose a very fragile white sheet of Japanese fine paper. Even though it was tender, I thought it could handle the weight of watercolor. Plus I liked that the fibers shown through, and I thought it would be an interesting to combine that with the metallic effect. I practiced making paper flowers via this great tutorial, then I was ready to start making my creating my gold metallic flowers.

For the first few flowers, I had painted the paper before creating the flower, but I found I enjoyed the process of painting the flowers once they were done. I also really fell in love with how wonky yet pretty the end result turned out to be. That was exactly that kind of imperfection that lent the entire project that special charm and magic that first inspired me.

The end result is what you see below. My stepdad picked up a few fallen tree branches for me, and I chose the one below. You can also see traces of the fishing wire I used to attach the flowers onto the branch. I'll get around to trimming it off someday. For now, I feel a special delight when I sit at my dining room table. I recall the joy of my morning jogs and also take pride in creating something new from that time.

Images from me

Macarons!

2011-09-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of a macaron class I took a few weeks ago. Macarons skyrocketed in popularity a few years ago, and I'm still glad to see people still find them delightful. They are adorable, versatile, and, when made correctly, oh so tasty.

The photo of the pastry machine above doesn't have anything to do with the macaron class. I was just snooping around. I love busy kitchens.

I'm glad to see that students were able to jump in and try their hands at piping some macarons. Hands-on classes are the best. Learn by doing, right?

Here is the instructor pointing out what's called the foot, a characteristic of a properly made macaron.

images by me

A Letter to Three Wives

2011-09-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, my broken ankle left me with a lot of free time. As a movie buff, I planned to spend much of it making a dent in my ever-expanding movies list (I've been known to reach the 500 limit on my Netflix queue a few times). However, I love it when I stumble onto a gem on television. Usually it's something dramatic and sombre like The Verdict or Mississippi Burning. However the siren song of indie romances proved irresistible, and I was embarrassed by how weepy I was getting at some pretty saccharine stuff. Bed of Roses, anyone? How about Mr. Wonderful?

I finally found a gem in A Letter to Three Wives. Usually I don't like to summarize the movies I write about, but the plot of this one is too good not to share: three female friends receive a letter from a mutual friend informing them that she has run off with one of their husbands, but doesn't say which husband. This movie stayed in my head for days, and I can't wait to watch it again, since I know I'll discover new things that I hadn't noticed previously (and possibly while in the fog of my pain medication). I know getting nostalgic for old movies is a cliche, but I can't help by be impressed by how clever it is in its examinations of relationships - marriages and friendships - and it wove in some solid social commentary. This movie reminded me of a lot of the conversations I have with my friends about relationships. A common stereotype about women is how paranoid we can be, and this movie shows how powerful insecurity is, the way it can prey on our minds and cause us to doubt ourselves and reevaluate the state of our relationships, for better or worse. But I never felt like this movie was patronizing or judgemental towards the female characters. It treated both the men and women as flawed people just doing their best to make each other happy.

Image from TCM

Collins Lake

2011-09-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

I didn't mean to abandon my blog for such a long time, but that's what ended up happening after I returned from a glorious end-of-summer camping trip to beautiful Collins Lake - with a broken ankle! After a quick surgery, I've been spending the last two weeks resting with lovely naps, a good book, and movies galore. It sounds great, to get an impromptu break, but it really took me a long time to adjust to my temporary condition. Walking with crutches is a huge adjustment as is being so dependent on other people to take care of me. Plus, I missed my beloved morning jogs! For the first week, I could not relax no matter how hard I tried. I thought I was going to lose my mind. I felt so lazy just lying around, not having done anything the whole day - even though that's the whole point of recuperating after surgery. After I finally got a grip, I assembled the photos I snapped of the camping trip before my disastrous slip-and-slide down a hill the last afternoon of our 2-day trip.

I should probably state now that I had some reservations about camping. It had only been in the last few years that I'd really started to enjoy running and hiking, and even then that was the extent of what I would consider outdoor activities that I could enjoy. I hadn't been camping since I was a kid, and back then I didn't like it at all. I really couldn't see myself being comfortable without a clean bathroom and soft bed to return to at night, and I'd come to accept that maybe I'm the kind of person that enjoys nature in small doses only. So a few months ago when I had brunch with my friend Claudia, a camping enthusiast, and told her about my hesitation, she laughed and said that camping as an adult is way more fun. She asked me if I'd ever be up for giving camping another chance, and, since I like to think that I'm always up for an adventure, I said yes. When June rolled around and she sent out an email to see which of her friends were up for an end-of-summer camp trip Collins Lake in August, I responded with a slightly hesitant "yes." Now that camping was turning into a reality (and not just something we talk about but never put into action), would I really enjoy it or would I be the lone person in the group who wouldn't "get" the fun of camping? I was excited to find out!

Our camping adventure started out on an overcast morning (typical for San Francisco, even in the summer). By the time we stopped for lunch at a taqueria in Yuba City, a very welcome 90 degree Farenheit heat greeted us summer-weather-starved Bay Area residents.

Claudia had already told me ahead of time that she'd be easing me into camping with Collins Lake, which offers such luxurious amenities as warm showers. But honestly, my first thought when we rolled into the camp site was how beautiful and serene the place was. I was beginning to "get" this whole camping thing.

After setting up our tents, the unrelenting heat had us all eager to cool off with a swim. When we arrived at South Yuba River State Park, it was five in the evening, but the heat was still going strong. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera with us to the swimming hole (I wanted to swim without worrying about it), because it was picture-esque beyong belief, especially with the late day sun lighting everyone so beautifully. Kids were whooping and hollering while jumping off giant rocks into the crisp, cool river while slippery, black fish darted between our legs. The water, while chilling at first, felt sooooo amazing on my skin after roasting in that heat. Even after I reluctantly got out, I felt clean and invigorated.

Once we arrived back at the camp site, more of our camping group had arrived, and we started setting up what will become ingrained in my brain as being one of the best parts of our camp trip- hot pot! Side note: this is how "out of it" I was when it comes to camping. Before we left, I asked Claudia how we were going to eat. "Do we have to catch our dinner?" I was completely serious about this question - as if fishing and foraging for berries was our only option for food. Second side note: I have to get this rant out of the way. I have had hot pot with people who ask what the point of hot pot is since, if they wanted to cook for themselves, they could just stay at home. Hot pot embodies aspects of food culture that I adore - cooking food for and enjoying food with loved ones simultaneously. It's the communal aspect that made me fall in love with food culture. Sure you could cook at home, but usually when you cook, it's a solitary exercise. With hot pot, it's a group activity from beginning to end, and it's f-cking awesome. Seriously.

And that concludes all the photos I have for this trip, since the next day was when I took my tumble which effectively left me with too much pain to be in the mood for picture-taking. I did manage to get another super fun swim father east on South Yuba River before my spill. And I am very happy to report that even after my accident, I still managed to enjoy things like gazing at the Milky Way under a blanket of stars, an epic bbq dinner, and the company of some truly fun people who I am now happy to call my friends. So even though my camping trip left me with an unfortunate souvenir, I would definitely be up for doing it again.

A huge thank you to my fellow campers for taking such good care of me, especially Claudia, Ricky, and Frank!

Images by me

Beginners

2011-08-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

I’ve been eager to catch Beginners before the end of its theater run. Last week I had the chance, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve always known Ewan McGregor is one of the most skilled and versatile actors of his generation, but after seeing him in this film and I Love You Phillip Morris, I have a new level of respect for him. He can convey so much depth of feeling and layers of emotions so subtly and seamlessly. The mannerisms in his performances - the way he leans against a doorway or offers another character a cookie – illuminate so much about his characters.

Because I’m a cheesy sap, I thought I’d favor the romantic component of the movie. When the relationship between Ewan McGregor and Melanie Laurent’s characters begins, I was afraid I’d be put off by the quirkiness and twee-ness of their dynamic, but I was won over by the genuine sadness that both their characters are trying to work through and how they both make a valiant effort to get over their baggage and love each other.

But the gem in this movie is Christopher Plummer. I found myself more moved by the father-son relationship, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him via his soulful and ebullient performance. Like McGregor, so much about his character is shown in his twinkling eyes, and he captures beautifully the spirit of a man who feels more alive and youthful as a septuagenarian with cancer than he did as a healthy 20-year-old.

image via imdb

In the City of Sylvia

2011-08-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've seen the "cafe scene" of this quiet movie a few times (courtesy of Netflix Instant) and find something new in each viewing. It reminded me of an illustration class I took in high school, and how the concepts of perspective, composition, and negative space stayed with me even after my class ended and affected the way I viewed my surroundings.

The scene contains very minimal dialogue and narrative action, but it manages to convey seamlessly so much about our protagonist - how he views the world and what motivates him on his search for a girl he had met in this city years ago. Our protagonist sketches observations about his fellow customers around him, romanticizing little gestures made by pretty women, lingering delicately on mundane actions like pulled-back hair knotted into a messy bun. We see the cafe's other customers from specific angles talking, laughing, kissing, lost in thought and from the camera's perspective they look as if they could be interacting with people from separate tables, even though we understand that they are not. The camera fixates on a woman inside the cafe, sitting in front of a window overlooking the patio, but then widens its focus to include women outside the cafe, visible via the window's reflection.

These poetic moments ooze with a longing to connect and interact with people and beautifully showcase the attitude of a romantic soul who both recognizes and looks for beauty even in the most ordinary places, but also might have a habit of romanticizing things out of proportion.

image via Amazon

Pie Ranch Farm

2011-07-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I visited Pie Ranch Farm in beautiful Pescadero. I took my time wandering around the property, stopping by landmarks by various landmarks, like the historical house (which dates to the late 1800's) to the goat and cow barn, to the vegetable and fruit garden.

If it isn't already obvious, farms are some of my favorite places to photograph. It's fun to seek out all the unique details, and the animals always make for some interesting shots.

images from me

Etsuko Ichikawa

2011-07-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

The latest Anthropologist video featuring artist Etsuko Ichikawa is simply mesmerizing. Before watching the video, I imagined that drawing with molten glass would be beautiful enough, but the trail of fire that follows her motions and the graceful ashen strokes left behind are stunning. The act of creating her pyrographs are as magnificent a sight to behold as the finished work themselves. Etsuko's movements are so controlled, yet when she stops and the fire appears, she seems to surrender to whatever the fire creates and leaves in its path. How brave and lucky she is to work with a living, breathing, dangerous, beautiful, and mysterious element as fire.

Film by Alistair Banks Griffin

Central Coast Day 3: All about the food

2011-07-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

As I had said at the end of my last post, on my last night in beautiful Cayucos, I met a delightful couple Jess and Sa from Los Angeles who are just as passionate about good food as I am. Since Cayucos is a frequent getaway destination for them, they had a ton of great recommendations for me. I began to regret only spending 3 days in the Central Coast, so I resolved to make my last day food-focused. The next morning, I headed back down to Morro Bay for oysters from Giovanni's, which Jess and Sa raved about. I LOVE oysters and unfortunately don't get a chance to indulge in them enough since I have only 1 friend who likes them, too. I wanted to get more than the 6 I had ordered, but I also wanted to save room for the other food stops I planned to make.

After Giovanni's I wandered to the Garden Gallery, a gorgeous nursery/homewares store with beautiful tableware, linens, and other garden and kitchen related gifts.

For lunch, I drove back up to Cayucos for Ruddell's famous smoked fished tacos, which were also enthusiastically recommended by Jess, Sa, and our waiter at Hoppes. The smoked albacore taco I ordered was incredible - the smokiness lent an element of depth when mingled with the fresh, crisp flavor of the apples, celery, and lettuce in the taco. There's something about that smokey flavor that had me in a haze; I felt compelled to order another taco - smoked salmon - and fell in love with that, too.

I'm glad I decided to take a short stroll after lunch since I knew I would be in for a long drive ahead. But I also made one more food stop to the Brown Butter Cookie Company.

I had spotted their sign the first day and couldn't resist stopping in. Their cookies were so delicious, I had gone back every day. On my last day however, I decided to get a few cookies as gifts, as well as pick up a cookie (or two) as a snack for the drive back.

While my drive down to the Central Coast was non-stop, I had planned on making the drive back to the Bay Area more leisurely. I had wanted to take Highway 1 all the way back up, but I was told that a portion of it was closed. Instead I took Highway 101, but made sure to stop at Carmel and then take Highway 1 from there. I arrived in Carmel right before the majority of their fancy boutiques closed. Since it was such a gorgeous day, I decided to have dinner in Carmel. Initially I was hoping to grab something quick (like maybe the smoked fish tacos that I still had on the brain), but I think Carmel's restaurants favor long, lingering meals. After wandering up and down the cute streets, I settled on La Bicyclette based on their menu and their charming interiors.

I loved the rustic, warm, and welcoming decor that made me feel really good about choosing this restaurant as the meal to close out my vacation. My butternut squash pizza was divine when accompanied with the glass of Pinot Noir wine my waitress recommended. For dessert, the chocolate budino with raspberry puree and sea salt was the perfect end to a perfect meal to a perfect holiday.

images from me

Central Coast Day 2: Castles, Cliffs, and More Coastlines

2011-06-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Day two of my trip began early so I could catch the least-crowded tour of the day (which started at 8am) at Hearst Castle. I'm usually not crazy about guided tours; I like to be free to explore and roam a property at my own leisure. However, once our tour guide, who's name I've unfortunately forgotten, gave his introduction any reservations (and prejudices) I had held about guided tours evaporated. Loose, funny, and obviously passionate about California history, our guide talked enthusiastically about William Randolph Hearst and his passion for Hearst Castle. Usually history bores me out of my mind, but when someone can effectively transmit their excitement for a subject and talk about it in an engaging way, my brain soaks up all that knowledge like a sponge.

Here's how ignorant I was about Hearst Castle: I actually thought it would look like a castle. But as our tour guide explained, the main house and its guest houses were designed to pay homage to California's Spanish heritage. A proud Californian, Mr. Hearst wanted the property to respect the state's Spanish roots.

Throughout the property there are beautiful and intricate Moorish architectural details.

The last stop on our tour was the famous pool room. The gold tiles in the photo below are made of real gold. Ah, the simple life!

My next destination after Hearst Castle was picturesque Avila Beach, with its charming, beachfront stores and restaurants.

I drove further down to explore the pier, where I found fisherman preparing their catch. For lunch I stopped at Pete's Pierside Cafe, where I enjoyed a tasty swordfish taco and a few oyster shots.

After lunch I drove back up north to beautiful Morro Bay and made several stops along the way to Montana d'Oro. At every natural park and beach I visited, I found signs like the one below asking visitors to be mindful the natural habitat. Being able to stand among so much vast, natural beauty, I can't imagine that any visitor would ever disrespect those requests.

One of my stops on my way to Montana d'Oro was the Elfin Forest, where the environmental conditions in this area stunts the growth of the trees.

Finally, I entered Montana d'Oro . I had enough time before sunset to stop at its many pockets of beaches.

I arrived back at my inn in time to catch the sunset in the photo below before heading across the street to Hoppes, where I had an incredible meal that included jumbo prawns, quail, and an incredible brioche bread pudding for dessert. I also chatted with an awesome couple from Los Angeles who are also passionate about food. They gave me some great tips for places to visit before my drive home the next day.

images from me

Central Coast Day 1: seafood, seals, and sunsets

2011-06-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I began my trip to the Central Coast on a dreary, wet morning. Since I had resolved to clear my head of any negative thoughts or overly optimistic expectations, I didn't brood over the weather. With the audiobook version of Tina Fey's autobiography accompanying me, I kept my focus on the road as I made my way down the coast to Cayucos, where I would be staying during my mini-holiday.

After checking in to the Shoreline Inn and refueling the car, I was ready for lunch. Since I wanted to begin my trip with something a little familiar, I decided to have lunch in Cambria, a city I had visited before years ago. I'm a huge seafood fan, so I wanted to make sure to take advantage of the great seafood in each coastal town I visited. At Linn's Restaurant I ordered the salmon cakes, which was the perfect light lunch to nibble on while I browsed a hastily printed out guide of the area and very loosely planned the rest of my trip. I fully intended to indulge in one of Linn's fruit and cream cheese muffins, but unfortunately I didn't save enough of an appetite.

After lunch, I wandered some of the cute boutiques and antique stores in Cambria and then headed to Moonstone beach. By that time, clouds were just starting to dissipate. Perhaps it was symbolic since it was while strolling along the wooden paths that I also felt my head beginning to clear.

Also out basking in the late day sunshine were loads of elephant seals. If you look closely, you can just spot them in the photos below. They blend in so well with the rocks, it can be hard to distinguish them. They weren't doing much on the rocks except making a lot of noise, but I still found them captivating.

After walking the length of Moonstone beach, I decided to squeeze in a visit to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. As soon as I walked up the steps that signal the start of the bluff trail, I was greeted with a heady floral scent that permeated the air. The fragrance combined with the views and the sound of crashing waves - it was heaven! I couldn't believe how fortunate I was to be there. Scattered throughout the boardwalk are benches that look as if they were made of scrap wood that you see on several of the beaches. They provide the perfect places to relax and take in the breathtaking view.

As I made my way down the trail, I was treated to views of the blue sky and ocean, yellow fields, and green trees. Circling back to the entrance, I was treated to a completely different, yet utterly gorgeous view that reminded me of golden molasses.

The setting sun bathed the grass and everything around me in gold. I lingered on some of the benches, in no hurry to leave even after the sun had set. Then I remembered that the restaurants in this area probably close a lot earlier than the one's in the Bay Area. With that thought, and the sudden onset of a grumbling stomach, I hustled back to Cayucos and made it just in time to enjoy some fish and chips.

images from me

Just Let Go

2011-06-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

After I had to cancel my highly anticipated trip to the Deep South, I was grumpy as hell. However, I managed to pull it together enough to arrange a quick getaway to California's beautiful Central Coast. I had been meaning to visit Hearst Castle for a long time, and I was also curious to discover other hidden treasures in the area. So I found a little inn on the beach, and that was it. A simple room reservation, and I was set!

I hadn't expected to feel so pessimistic and grouchy at having to cancel my original trip. So as I began the journey to my new destination that rainy morning - with gray skies overhead and the unsteady beats of solid downpour - I asked myself what I wanted from this vacation. If I could have anything from this experience, what would it be? Two chief states leapt to mind as the answer: relaxation and inspiration. However, having already been disappointed when my original expectations crashed and burned, I didn't want to raise my hopes unrealistically high (a bad habit of mine). So as a supplement to my wish, I also told myself to just let go of all self-imposed expectations of what my vacation should be like. Even though, yes, ideally I'd love to find serenity and find myself surrounded by earthly wonders, no matter what happened on this trip, I would find a way to enjoy myself. And a funny thing happened once I accepted that promise to myself - I found myself savoring every moment of one of the most relaxing and inspiring trips of my life. This was such a welcome surprise for me, since I am one of the most anxious people I know; it's near impossible for me to relax and "let go" at all. But I found myself returning home feeling reborn, energized, and refreshed.

This incredible trip shifted a long-held notion for me about what vacations and travel signify to me. I had expected that my vacations themselves would be what would help me to unwind, but I learned that I had to consciously make that choice myself even before I arrive at my destination, that peace and inspiration are more a choice than a consequence of any place or activity or experience.

I'll have more tales and photos of my trip soon. I'm still marveling at what a difference a scant 3-day vacation can make!

image above is the view from my room in beautiful Cayucos

Change of Plans

2011-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

My travel plans to the Deep South had to be cancelled at the last minute, so I'm scrambling to make alternate plans. If all the right pieces to fall into place, I'll be visiting an area that's just as beautiful and inspiring. Fingers crossed!

[Photo Credit: Tim Walker for Vogue, UK May 2011 via Dustjacket Attic]

Savannah + Charleston + Atlanta = my latest travel adventure

2011-05-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

I find myself constantly bookmarking or "pinning" the cute fashion inspiration boards that I see on a few of my favorite blogs, so I thought I'd use my upcoming trip to Savannah and Charleston (with a quick stop in Atlanta) as an excuse to assemble the dream wardrobe I wish I could take with me. Please note the word "dream" since most, if not all, the items there are outside my budget. It was a fun little exercise, and I can see why people like putting them together.

But back to my trip, which is what I'm most excited about. The image of Savannah that I have in my mind is the one from the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I don't know if it really is like that, but the movie made it look so mysterious, quirky, and romantic. I'm also intrigued by the region that produced such great writers like Flannery O'Conner. And of course, I'm looking forward to sampling some delicious Southern dishes. I'll have my trusty sidekick (a.k.a. camera) along with me to document the whole trip. If anyone has any tips for restaurants or places to see, I'd love to hear them!

Images Clockwise from the top left: dress by Vanessa Bruno via La Garconne; hat by Borsalino via Yoox; sunglasses by Alexander Wang via Ssense; tank by Proenza Schouler via La Garconne; shorts by Clu via Aloha Rag Sandals by Loeffler Randall; Scarf by Emma Cassi and Cheri from Scout Holiday; Luggage by Globetrotter; Jacket by James Perse via Net-a-Porter; Thinstick lipstick in "Priscilla" by Vincent Longo

Herb and Dorothy

2011-05-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was completely charmed by this documentary about the Vogels, a couple who amass an impressive collection of minimalist and conceptual art all on a modest budget. Their rules for inclusion of an art piece in their collection: 1. they genuinely liked it, 2. they could afford it, 3. it could fit into their apartment, and 4. it could be brought home by them in either a cab or via subway. Though their apartment did seem a little "hoarders" to me, I truly admire Vogels' passion for art minus the pretentious bull****.

image from Herb and Dorothy movie site

Last weekend's bacon delivery system

2011-04-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Focaccia with spinach, artichoke, and, of course, bacon. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they acted as the perfect snacky-snacks to counter the tedious chore of sorting through and reconciling the mounting paperwork on my desk.

images from me

Jane Eyre

2011-04-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Abandon any prejudices you might hold against period films and go see the Jane Eyre reboot. This version is part love story, part suspenseful horror, and I loved how the cinematography aided in telling the story from that perspective. My favorite part was when Jane suspects there is someone sinister hiding behind a curtain late at night. I had read the book in junior high, so I knew what to expect, but the scene was shot and paced in a way that I felt just as scared as our awesome heroine.

photo credit: Laurie Sparham via Jane Eyre movie site

Looking for signs of Spring

2011-04-07T20:52:00.001-07:00

We've gone from flood warnings to gorgeous 85 degree weather to high wind advisories. But through it all, everyone I know is looking for signs of Spring. We're so ready for it!

images from me

Certified Copy

2011-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies so far this year has been Certified Copy. The Tuscan backdrop gave me goosebumps because it brought back the magic I felt when I was wandering its streets and roads last year. I really love movies like this - where nothing much happens in the way of the plot, but the characters go on a long emotional journey within the course of a day. Juliette Binoche, one of my favorite actresses, gives a wonderfully passionate, nuanced performance. She's truly a world-class actress. She and William Shimell sure make a good-looking couple.

Trailer via IFC Films

Kitchen Peek: Crystal and Dan

2011-03-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Over the Winter holiday, I came up with an idea for a fun photo project. My love for food and cooking is well known, so it follows that I also really love watching people in action in the kitchen. Even when I'm in a restaurant, one of my favorite places to sit is at the counter with a great view of an open kitchen. Watching the cooks at work is simply mesmerizing. Wouldn't it be fun, I thought, to see how and where people cook? Not particularly famous cooks, but just people who appreciate good food and take joy in the preparation. Whenever I meet people who love to cook, a barrage of questions pop into my head. What kind of food do you usually cook? How did you learn? How long have you been cooking? What's your can't-live-without tool? I'm also fascinated by their cooking space. Are they lucky enough to have designed their own kitchen or do they have creative ways of managing their kitchen space around their cooking style? This series is still in the experimental phase, but hopefully I'll be able to find some folks who wouldn't mind letting me document them in their kitchen. And I hope you find this stuff interesting, too!

First up are my friends Crystal and Dan. This couple is lucky enough to have designed their own kitchen with professional-grade appliances and equipment. While this series isn't so much about showcasing fancy kitchens, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get excited around the Wolf range stove. And it's fun to see a variety of cooking spaces. A little background on this pair: Crystal and Dan are newlyweds without kids and live a pretty active, fit lifestyle. I also asked Crystal some questions about her cooking style.

Is there a particular type of cuisine that you like to cook or usually cook?
No, I'm not picky in terms of type of cuisine. If a recipe looks good, then I'll try it, regardless of the type.

Do you usually cook alone or with someone? Do you mind if someone is in the kitchen chatting with you while you cook?
Usually alone, but I sometimes have a little help from my husband. As for having someone to chat with while cooking - it all depends on what I'm doing. If I'm measuring out ingredients or if I'm in a rush, then it's difficult to be engaged in a conversation with someone. However, if I'm doing something like kneading dough, then I would love to have someone to chat with.

Favorite recipe sources?
Various cookbooks that I've accumulated over the years, as well as online sources.

How do you decide whether to take on a new recipe?
Pictures speak volumes when it comes to recipes. If something looks really tasty in a picture, then I'm more inclined to try it. Other factors also include: how healthy or fattening the recipe is, availability of the ingredients (ie. if I have it or not) and ratings/reviews of the recipe.

If you're alone, do you ever put on music or have something going on in the background or do you cook in silence?
Yes, music.

images from me

For Japan With Love

2011-03-17T22:01:00.001-07:00

I didn't want to start off this post on a dispiriting note, but if I want to be honest, I have to say that it's been hard to concentrate with the stream of devastating news emerging from Japan. Though I am of Chinese lineage, my grandfather immigrated to Japan in the 40's, so I've spent many, many happy winters and some crazy humid summers in Kobe and Tokyo. It's truly heartbreaking and disturbing to see so much devastation in a place that holds so many happy memories for me. I'm naturally curious and I like to be informed, so I try to soak up as much news as I can, but this time it has taken its toll on me. A very dear blogger friend of mine very gently had to advise me to limit my news intake to 5 minutes a day, which turned out to be very good for my state of mind. It's made me grateful for how unbelievably lucky I and my family are now and have been in the past. My family in Tokyo is safe. My childhood home in San Bruno was left unharmed despite the gas explosion a few months ago and the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. And my family in Kobe managed to keep safe during the earthquake that struck the city 15 years ago. Truly, I have a lot to be grateful for. I realize that thousands are not so lucky, so I've chosen to make a small donation here and here. Bloesem and Hello Sandwich have a good list of ways you can help. And Utterly Engaged and Ever Ours have organized a Bloggers Day of Silence to honor those who have been affected by this disaster and to raise money for recovery efforts. Find out more about their efforts here and consider making a donation to Shelter Box via For Japan With Love.

image by Henry and Lucia from Utterly Engaged

My Web Site

2011-03-07T03:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the blog neglect. I was tending to a sore back and then scrambling to play catch-up. Now I can happily show you one of the projects I've been working on: my new web site. Many of the photos I've featured on this blog before, but there are a handful of new ones. Please feel free to browse through the photos and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

screenshots by me

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

My favorite love stories aren't so much about people finding "The One," but more about people finding their self-respect. See examples below. Be good to yourselves, people!

The Apartment. Image from imdb

Defending Your Life. Image from Starz

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Photo by Kerry Hayes via imdb

Parsnips Epiphany

2011-02-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

I baked some parsnips for the first time last weekend, and I don't know how I lived so long without them. They are the perfect winter comfort food. I used the Parsnips Epiphany recipe from David Tanis' A Platter of Figs. Next time, I'm going to make a dipping sauce to go with the parsnips so I can treat them like french fries.

image by me

Le Train

2011-01-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

This video completely turned my mood for the better after returning home from a long day at work. I also live close to a train station, so that's probably another reason why I found it so charming. This film is included in the album Les Retrouvailles by Yann Tiersen, who composed the Amelie sountrack. Enjoy!

I am Love

2011-01-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

With the chilly weather we've been experiencing, it's the perfect time to make delicious winter soups to sip on and catch up on the movies I've been meaning to see. One of movies that made the biggest impression on me was I am Love. This movie is a visual feast! The cinematography, costumes, locations, and scenery are gorgeous and seductive and beautifully express the characters' high emotions and inner turmoil. Tilda Swinton's performance is absolutely mesmerizing. I'm always impressed by how much she's able to express with the simplest, subtlest movements.

images from I am Love site

Forever Tango

2011-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I caught a performance of Forever Tango. It was my 3rd time seeing the show, and I still found myself completely enraptured by the music and the incredible ability of the dancers. I don't think I've mentioned enough on this blog what a huge tango fan I am. I never tire of hearing the music and at milongas, when I'm not dancing, I always find myself mesmerized by the movements of the more experienced dancers.

Another thing I appreciate about Forever Tango is that not all the female dancers are stick thin. Many of them have real bodies with curves. They look healthy and strong, and on stage they radiate glamour and mystery. I wish I coud see more of this in the mainstream media, and that they would open their scope of what constitutes an attractive female body.

Forever Tango is currently on a world tour, so if they come by your city, I'd definitely recommend it. Below is the company's appearance on Dancing with the Stars.

Antica Napa Valley

2011-01-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to start 2011 with this view in front of me. This photo was taken during my visit to Antica winery in Napa Valley. I couldn't believe that something this beautiful and expansive could be hidden away. Antica is nestled far from the other wineries that dot the popular "wine tour" roads in Napa. In fact, you have to drive about 7 miles away from the main road just to get to Antica, so it really does feel like something special. As soon as you drive through the gates, you'll be greeted with this divine sight: acres of grapevines, a wide open sky, and hills that resemble those found in Tuscany. In fact, it was during my visit to Florence, where one of the shopgirls at Procacci told me about her internship at Antica and encouraged me to visit, that led me to this secret gem in Napa. Having seen how supported artisans are in Florence, it was really cool to visit this winery, which has been making wine for 26 generations.

The Beauty of Pixar and Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

Leandro Copperfield created this lovely video as a tribute to Pixar studios. It is so beautiful and inspiring, as with Urnatur, I found myself wiping away tears during my initial viewing. I'm so humbled and in awe of people who create projects like this. Call them artists or geeks or otaku, whatever. I'm just so happy and grateful for people who are passionate and engaged in a subject/hobby/discipline and find creative ways to share their love of it with the world.

As this year comes to a close, I've been thinking about what I'm most looking forward to in 2011. Videos like this remind me of what to focus on. I've been a huge fan of Pixar since the first Toy Story and I know what Pixar films mean to me, so it's an experience of pure delight to see what Pixar films mean to someone else. Enjoy and happy new year! (Update: ~~Sorry, the video has been removed from Vimeo, but you can still visit Leandro's blog to see some of his other work.~~ Looks like it has been reposted to YouTube. Enjoy!)

Warm Holiday Wishes

2010-12-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

And if you're travelling, I hope you have a better experience than this (warning: major f-bombs).

photo above by me, video clip above via ck/ck

i love you, phillip morris

2010-12-15T20:24:00.001-08:00

After seeing this movie last night, I wanted to say, "I love you, Ewan McGregor." For me, he totally stole the movie with his subtle and endearing performance. Actually, I think I've loved him in every role I've seen him in.

image from imdb

True Grit

2010-12-06T22:42:00.000-08:00

My expectations for this movie are sky high right now. The Coen Brothers are master storytellers, and this poster is perfection.

image from imdb

Urnatur

2010-12-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

A holiday at Urnatur is what I want for Christmas. I am not exaggerating when I say I almost got teary eyed viewing the videos and photos. To quote one of my favorite movies: beauty does that to me. Please go to the Anthropologist website to see the magic for yourself.

images from The Anthropologist (photographer unknown)

Holiday Pies

2010-11-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving week here in the States, so I thought it would be the perfect time to show you these photos from a holiday pie baking class I photographed earlier this month. On the agenda for the class: pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pear and ginger creme brulee, and an apple gallette.

Happy Eating!

images from me

Fall in New York

2010-11-21T02:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I took while I was in New York a few weeks ago. Even though my trip was brief, I feel like I got a sense of New York that I didn't the last two times I visited. The city is so expansive, I was worried I'd feel disconnected and left with barely an impression at all. But wandering through different neighborhoods, I definitely felt an engagement with the city, as if we were having our own conversations and creating our own bond. The DUMBO area below was one of my favorite spots.

Fall seems to suit New York. The changing colors on the leaves compliment the brownstones beautifully.

A food market necessitates picture-taking. The colors on the fruits and vegetables are too gorgeous to resist.

A big hug and thank you to my lovely hosts Renate and Josh. You two made New York sing for me.

images from me

Tuscany part 3

2010-11-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

The hours I spent in Lucca were far too short. I fell completely under the spell of this charming, walled city. The next chance I get, I plan to break down my exploration into several strolls through Lucca's alleys and shops.

Lucca is all about the bicycles, and I love a city with a strong bicycle culture. After so much walking, a gelato break is mandatory, preferably with a bellini.

Heavy rain was predicted the day I was in Lucca, but luckily it held off until night time. However, by the afternoon there were hints of a rainstorm in the darkening sky, which acted as the perfect backdrop to the beautiful, peachy hue the setting sun cast on the buildings and monuments.

Panzano was a fantastic place to stop for lunch at on the way to Sienna.

At Il Vescovino, I enjoyed delicious lunch on their patio which provided a breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards (photo above). Their panna cotta was one of the best I'd ever tasted.

After lunch, I stopped at fields that were filled with grapevines, apples, and tomatoes. It felt like such a treat to get such easy access to the source of all the incredible food and wine I had been enjoying.

Sienna was the last stop on my Tuscan adventure. Just like all the other cities I had visited, Sienna is made of aged brick walls and green shutters overlooking cobblestone alleys. Even with walls and buildings in varying degrees of decay, they still manage to retain a majestic and proud quality. It made me wonder what it's like to live in a city where past relics still hold such a dominant position in the cityscape and works of art are so integrated into daily life.

I don't think I had seen so many carefully attended window displays than in the shops all over Tuscany. There must be a law against sloppy window dressing. I even found the Duff beer display to be kind of cute.

So this concludes my holiday in Tuscany. It went by fast, so next time I plan on slowing it down and not trying to hit so many places in a short amount of time. I prefer a slower pace, spending more time getting to know a city and peeling back its layers. But now I know I have much more to look forward to the next time I'm in Tuscany.

images from me

Agrifuturismo

2010-11-03T05:23:00.000-07:00

Before I show you the rest of my Tuscany photos, I thought I'd write a little bit about the beautiful farm I stayed at while in Italy called Agrifuturismo.

Back in 2004, Federica Fusi was looking for a property with history and integrity that hadn't been through too many alterations. When she found this villa (which dates back to the 18th century), she set about converting the structure into a three apartments: one for her and two to rent to visitors. With her commitment to sustainable and environmentally-sound practices as her guide, she restored the two apartments as well as her own living space in a style that honors the original rustic style of the villa.

I wish I had taken more photos of the interiors, but all I have are the photos you see here. There are some great photos of the apartments on the Agrifuturismo site. During my stay, Federica was gracious enough to show me around her apartment. Words can't describe how much I wanted to move into it immediately. Like the two rental apartments, its style is very rustic and vintage, but it's also bursting with personality yet remains uncluttered. Federica's apartment is so inspiring that it was photographed for a book called The Natural Home: Dwellings at Ease with Themselves and Their Surroundings by photographer Nathalie Taverne. There are so many interiors books out there about the same subject, but this book feels different. One of my favorite aspects of the book is that it showcases different styles of homes that might seem contrary at first glance, but they all incorporate natural materials found in the immediate, surrounding area. I highly recommend purchasing this book. Don't just put it on your wishlist and have it languishing, lost among your other wishlist titles (which is what happens to 90% of the stuff on my wishlist). Actually put it in your cart and buy it. (Note: I do not get a commission from this book. I'm just truly inspired by it)

If you're ever in Tuscany, I'd definitely recommend staying here. The location is perfect if you want to explore different cities like Siena, Lucca, and Chianti.

images from me

Tuscany part 2

2010-10-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights in Florence was visiting the Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather). I'm really fascinated by the tools and materials artisans use when creating their work, so this felt like such a treat for me. Visiting the workshop and showroom, I was filled with respect and admiration for these students and craftsmen who dedicate themselves to a discipline that requires meticulous attention to detail and patience and respect for the slow process of creating something meaningful.

In the photo above on the right, my initials are being stamped onto the handbag I bought, which was a lovely way to personalize my souvenir. If you're ever in Florence, I highly recommend stopping by Scuola del Cuoio and treating yourself or your loved ones to a gift.

San Casciano was a great little town I wish I could have explored more thoroughly. I got there in time for a weekly open air market, where locals come to buy not just food but household items and apparel.

Unfortunately, after spending so much time wandering the market, by the time I arrived in the city center, most of the shops were closed.

I didn't stay in Pisa for too long - just enough to see the famous tower and wander the streets a bit. Usually I don't expect to be that impressed with architectural monuments as famous as the leaning tower, but I admit that I found it to be quite pretty, especially since the dark skies and recent rain made its alabaster facade glow a bit with an almost dewy appearance.

One more round of Tuscany photos coming up! (Below is a view from the San Casciano market. Can you imagine having a landscape like that as the backdrop in your weekly market runs?)

images by me

Tuscany part 1

2010-10-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

Florence

Tuscany was pure magic! The landscape, the people, the architecture and food stole my heart.

San Gimignano was the first city I visited. It was packed with tourists, many of whom I stood in line with for some heavenly gelato. San Gimignano also gave me my introduction to the coral-tinted buildings that populate so much of Tuscany. Their cracked facades and aged splendor never failed to transfix me.

My first dinner was in Colle di Val d'Elsa. One of the things I loved about visiting Tuscan towns is all the walking I did. In many city centers, parking is extremely limited, so you're forced to leave your car behind and walk to the restaurant or art gallery. I find it so lovely. You get a chance to see the sky change and the street lamps light up. Plus, there are so many little alleys that beckon to be explored. It's truly a wanderer's paradise.

My first stop in Florence was the Boboli Gardens, a place I remember loving when I first visited Florence. As one of the morning's first visitors, I was lucky enough to savor the quiet before the crowds descended. Those few moments were heavenly, where the most obvious sound was the soft crunch of gravel beneath my boots.
The Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella regions of Florence were a little harder for me to enjoy. It was so crowded with confused tourists, it was difficult for me to think, let alone absorb any of the sights around me. Decadent hot chocolate and cute boys helped alleviate the frustration, though. :)
The Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella was a welcome respite from the bustle of Florence. Housed in a former monastery, this fragrance shop is another example of the "aged splendor" that I saw so much of in Tuscany. I read that great effort goes into preserving its interior to keep it as close to its original state as possible. More Florence and Tuscany photos coming up!
images from me

back from toscana!

2010-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

tuscany was beyond gorgeous! this was one of the first photos i took. more photos soon!

image from me

heartbreaker

2010-09-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

i saw heartbreaker last weekend and fell completely under its spell. it's a nice surprise to find a romantic comedy that's actually funny, even if it is a bit clichéd and predictable. maybe i'm just getting sentimental over the 80's references in the film, but i still loved it.

images from imdb

pomponio beach

2010-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

i'm crazy about the beaches that run along highway 1. pomponio beach is one of my favorites because of the sandstone bluffs and small caves that beg to be explored. the incredible patterns on the cliffs always leave me in awe and feeling adventurous. suddenly, i feel like i'm in one of the indiana jones or mummy trilogies.

images from me

pillar point harbor

2010-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

before i share with you my wonderfully relaxing day at beautiful pillar point harbor last week, i wanted to write about something i don't usually discuss on my blog. if you've ever visited san francisco, chances are you've been through san bruno, as that is where san francisco international airport (sfo) is located. last thursday evening a natural gas pipe ruptured in my childhood hometown of san bruno causing an explosion in the mostly residential neighborhood. my mom, who still lives in san bruno, was fortunate that her house is located as far away from the epicenter while still being in san bruno. however several families were not so lucky as dozens of homes were burned to the ground. i'm not writing this to solicite donations. i know what happened is relatively small in comparison to what's happening in other parts of the world. if anything, i'm writing about it to help me process what happened in the town that i grew up in and still have a lot of affection for. you can read more about the explosion here and there are photos that document the tragedy here. if you can, please keep the people of this community in your thoughts.

after a pretty dreary summer, we were fortunate enough to enjoy absolutely gorgeous weather during labor day weekend. as soon as i could, i grabbed my camera and headed to the coastal town of half moon bay to revel in the glorious sunshine.

half moon bay is a city i love exploring, but i don't get the chance too often. i jumped in my car without any particular destination in mind; my only plan was to stop anywhere that looked interesting. i ended up at pillar point harbor, next to the half moon bay kayak company.

warning: photos of fish guts ahead!

beyond the kayak station was a beach where i spotted some fishermen cleaning off the day's catch.

the beach was dotted with beach blankets and umbrellas. up and down the entire stretch of beach, both adults and children could be seen searching for sea shells, star fish, and mini-crabs.

it was really cute to see so many families having fun finding these "sea treasures." i can't think of a better way to say good-bye to summer and ease into fall.

images from me

tagged!

2010-08-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

one of my blogging pals, corine of hidden in france, has tagged me. the rules: show a childhood photo and describe what i was like at that time. so here it goes...

i always remember myself as being a lot like the girl below - introspective, quiet, shy.

however, everyone else remembers the girl in this photo: bossy, mischievous, and always getting into trouble. to-may-to, to-mah-to, i suppose :)

i'm always shy about tagging people, but i love seeing childhood photos. so if you'd like to participate, consider yourself tagged and share your link in the comment section below. be sure to check out corine's original post. it's hilarious!

farmers' market

2010-08-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

here are some photos i shot from my local farmers' market, one of my favorite places to visit with or without my camera.

seeing such gorgeous food in abundance makes me realize how truly lucky i am that i live in a region where produce is readily available.

the chickens spinning on the rotisserie, with its juices dripping down onto potatoes below, had me drooling. it reminded me of my visit to marche bastille.

images from me

strawberry exquisite

2010-08-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

here are a few shots from a cake decorating class i attended a few weeks back. pastry chef ian farrell led a class on how to assemble and decorate a delightfully girly strawberry exquisite cake.

as much as i love photographing sweets, i also really enjoy photographing the people who make the desserts and the tools that they use. something about documenting the process is really energizing and inspiring.

it's quite a multi-step process that goes into this cake, but ian makes it look so easy.

images from me

tuscany reading

2010-08-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

i've been pouring over books on florence and tuscany over the past few days in preparation for my trip. i take great care in choosing my guidebooks, since i'm looking experiences deeper than the regular tourist excursions. below are some guides i've been consulting and jotting down recommendations that seem to fit my travel ethos.

for a broad overview of a region, i've always had great luck with time out guides. i brought the buenos aires guide with me on my trip to argentina and when my cousins looked through it, they were impressed with the local knowledge represented

i've been a longtime fan of the little bookroom's publications. they seem to encourage readers to dig deeper into the surface of a place; recommend places with local charm; and encourage readers to create their own personal, travel memories.

my first impression of wallpaper guides is that they seem a little too posh and hip for my taste, but i've enjoyed their recommendations for brief, 24-hour stays and its compact size.

some thoughts on travel

2010-08-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

i've been preparing for my upcoming tuscan holiday by doing as much research as time allows. i'm on the hunt for guides that reflect my style and travel ethos - discovering hidden gems, engaging in activities or sights that showcase the cultural charm and talent of a region, dining in restaurants a local might frequent, and immersing myself in a different environment.

however, there are certain moments that i yearn for when i travel and at times they can be quite elusive. it's the feeling of connection to a place in a unique way - that sense that even though countless travelers have been standing in the exact spot i’m on, gazing at the same view, sipping the same wine, munching the same food, they might even come from the same part of the world that i’m from- that the combination of time, atmosphere, scenery, mood, weather, ambiance, and any other host of factors all come together to create an instance here that is completely my own, that i’m experiencing a location in my own authentic, singular way. there’s a delicious magic in these pockets of time and place, where labels like “tourist” don’t matter and a special connection has been created specifically for me.

these sensations are precious and don't have to be confined to faraway destinations, but my experience has shown me that the farther away the locale is from my home, the more that these moments resonate with me. maybe it's because the farther away i am from a recognized area, the more i'm forced to become more receptive to new experiences and the further rewarded i am for seeking out authentic encounters and having kept an open mind.

these occasions bring about an interesting paradox; as a sliver of comfort sets in i find myself relaxing into my surroundings, breathing in and out as thoroughly as ever, yet the thrill of the new and unexplored still lingers in the air, a slight edge that prevents the comfort from veering into the familiar. i’m experiencing so much in a totally different geographical context, and the excitement of unknown possibilities abounds. armed with a new confidence gifted to me from that magic stirred between me and this new region i find myself falling in love with, i’m spurred to new heights of exploration and enthusiasm.

there's also a subtle shift and that happens inside me that i like to think of as the movement of my heart expanding a bit. my understanding of the world has grown by a minute yet potent amount, and i'm happy, simply happy (for once). at its very core, travel is my attempt to extend my understanding about the world via exploration. the more my heart takes in, the more i understand and the more i’m able to navigate this world with confidence.

i've learned from my limited travel experience that no matter what i’m looking for, i’ll find it “out there.” there are undiscovered corners of the world that can provide me with both new adventures and peace, sometimes at the same time. no matter where i am, in whatever far-flung locales i may wander, within whatever foreign context, my point of balance will readjust itself to accommodate all the new experiences i’ve absorbed and find a way to connect to a place in a way that's personal and true.

sorry if this all seems like a collection of ramblings, but they’re all stuff that I’ve had on my mind for the last few days.

all photos by me

inception

2010-07-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

i know everyone's been going crazy over this film, and i have to jump on the bandwagon to say how much i admire the way christopher nolan took a concept that's been explored before and completely made it his own. he created a world that's so specific and supported it with so much detail and well-drawn characters, you can't help but get submerged in that fictional world and thoroughly invested in the characters. the special effects - epic in scale - are getting the most attention, but i really admire how the sets and costumes were stylish and subdued. they balance out the largess of the film's themes and special effects and give the film a timeless quality that i think will help audiences appreciate the film years from now.

all photos via imdb
top photo: photographer unknown; bottom four photos: photographer stephen vaughn

tuscany!

2010-07-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

image by the wonderful andrea fazzari via luxury collection, global explorer

i've been busy, busy, busy, so i haven't had the time to update this blog. one of the things that has kept me occupied also has me giddy with excitement - planning my trip to tuscany in the october! i've been to florence before as a young student backpacker, but it was such a brief stay. i'm looking forward to this trip being a major upgrade in terms of travel comfort and spending a longer time exploring this alluring italian region. if anyone has any tips they can recommend in the way of sites, food, art, anything, i'd love to know!

p.s. if you love travel, you MUST visit andrea fazzari's travelogue section on global explorer. each photo tells a story in itself, but ms. fazzari's accompanying narration add even more depth to the guides' "virtual travel" experience. i've listened to all the "tours" twice, and they gave me a major case of travel envy.

jen corace

2010-06-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

image above from jen corace's website

i first heard of jen corace via d*s. ever since then, i've been in love with jen corace's sweet, whimsical, and subtly complex illustrations.

image from tiny showcase

to satisfy my calendar addiction for 2010, i chose jen corace's calendar to grace the space above my home computer. it's a joy to flip each page over at the end of each month and be greeted with a new illustration.

a gem of a boutique and some practice

2010-06-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

remember this shot from a few posts back? it was taken at the boutique, les deux copines , one of my favorite stores populating burlingame avenue. their style is very "sofia coppola mixed with charlotte gainsbourg" - chic, feminine, unfussy, and a little tomboy.

at les deux copines , you'll find a treasure trove of european designers, many of which are hard to find here in the U.S. i'm always impressed by the merchandising in the store; it feels like you stepped in your older, cooler sister's walk-in closet.

whenever i pay LDC a visit, i find myself admiring the beautiful pieces so artfully arranged. since i'm always looking for an opportunity to practice my photography, i asked les deux copines themselves, rebecca and melissa, if i could photograph their store, and they obliged graciously.

one of things i wanted to focus on was working in tricky lighting situations, and LDC is the perfect practice area. the front of the store is flooded with natural light, the center gets light only from a skylight, and the back gets virtually no light. the other thing i wanted to work on was getting the focus right. i often get shaky right before hitting the shutter, and i wanted to practice using a steadier hand.

i've got more practice shots coming up that i'm eager to share. and thank you to the girls at LDC for letting me shoot your gorgeous boutique!

images from me

the apartment

2010-06-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

the apartment is one of my top 3 favorite films. last week i felt it was time to revisit it. i had seen this film several times before, i knew the plot and the ending, so i was surprised at how the whole dramatic arc still resonated so strongly with me.

even though this film was made almost 50 years ago, i've never seen another romantic film that explores with grace and depth questions that people still grapple with today: balancing professional ambition and personal desires; when and how to put one person's needs above one's own; how much faith to put in a person and how much do they really deserve; when is long-held goal not worth all the sacrifice. there are countless romances about two people who "meet cute", struggle, and then fall in love, but in terms of real character development, the apartment blows them all away.

other than the sweet romance that develops between the two leads, my favorite aspect of this movie is how the characters learn that happiness does not have to be at the expense of self-respect and dignity. they figured out how to to get out of their own way and then found exactly what they had been looking for along. it all boils down to what one character says about being "a mensch. do you know what that means? a human being." because of the clever plot, that line is interpreted and repeated in a way that applies to all the characters.

after i re-watched the apartment, i discovered that my favorite singer is performing in the broadway revival of promises, promises, which is based on ... the apartment! of course, i'm now plotting a way for me to see this show on broadway, especially after repeated viewings of the clip below:

image from imdb

smart girls at the party

2010-06-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

this awesome site doesn't fall into my usual realm of blog topics, but i just had to write about it because i love its mission. created by amy poehler (of snl, ucb, and parks and recreation - one of my favorite shows on tv right now), meredith walker, and amy miles, smart girls at the party is a site devoted to encouraging young girls to "change the world by being yourself." in each episode, amy conducts a semi-serious james lipton/ charlie rose type interview with girls who are passionate about hobbies that range from making robots to gardening. bonus: the dance party at the end of each episode! i'm such a sucker for silly dancing.

i love how smart girls at the party celebrates girls who have interests that might be a little different from the norm. with peer pressure and mainstream media constantly promoting ridiculous trends, it's hard enough figuring out who you are and what truly engages you, at any age. i've found this to be true not just during that tricky pre-teen stage, but also as an adult. as soon as i shut out people's expectations of what i should and shouldn't be doing professionally and personally and just concentrated on the pursuits that truly interested me, i became a much happier person, which in turn makes me a better girlfriend, daughter, sister, confidant. the world is much easier to navigate once you have a healthy self-image.

i'd highly recommend watching the first episode of their second season. the show's silly, but sincere vibe is highly endearing.

image from smart girls at the party

bejeweled

2010-06-08T23:14:00.001-07:00

for someone who considers herself so unabashedly girly, it's pretty surprising that i've never cared much for jewelry. however, i really enjoyed photographing this monster ring a few weeks ago. hope i can show you the rest of the photos, soon!

image from me

lemlem

2010-06-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

i discovered lemlem while browsing j.crew recently. model liya kebede started lemlem to give the artisans in her native ethopia an avenue to sell their gorgeous textiles.

"Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving"

the vibrant colors and simple designs on their dresses and scarves make me eager for summer to start.

images from lemlem

lady blue shanghai

2010-05-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

out of all the lady dior films, david lynch's tale is my favorite. just like in his feature films, lady blue shanghai uses the most beautiful images to construct an intriguing mystery with a hint (or more) of danger. i also love how the city of shangai is almost a character itself in this story.

screen grabs from lady dior

the pickled hutch re-opens!

2010-05-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

remember when i wrote about willa home, a sweet little boutique run by elena duggan and lisa wilson here and here? the tiny jewel of a space on burlingame avenue turned out to be too small to hold all of the treasures lisa and elena found, so while it was lovely to see this boutique practically bursting with gorgeous pieces, elena's willa home is back to its previous incarnation as a contemporary boutique and lisa's the pickled hutch antique store has returned to the beautiful coastal town of pacifica.

visiting the pickled hutch in its spacious home, i was impressed by the little vignettes lisa's arranged. they make it all the more inviting to discover treasures tucked in drawers and behind corners. the flea markets in paris came to mind more than once as i wandered the boutique.

to celebrate her grand re-opening, lisa's throwing a "Sex and the City" themed party on Thursday, 20 May. if you're in town, definitely check it out! the pickled hutch is also in the running for San Francisco's Best of the Bay list. show lisa and alfie some love by voting for them here!
the handsome gentleman at the top sooo belongs on the sartorialist. after i commented on it, lisa shared the sweetest story about what was written on the back of the photo. i was melting!

images by me

barns are the new black

2010-05-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

i've been catching up on my blog reading the last few days and couldn't help noticing how converting barns to comfortable living spaces are all the rage. they probably have been for some time and i've just gotten around to noticing.

ina's barn was the first one i drooled over when it appeared in House Beautiful. it's so sophisticated and elegant. i'm always hoping to they'll show more of her barn when i see newer episodes of her show.

photos by Simon Upton via House Beautiful

this barn in aptos, california had me drooling at first site. i love how this barn blends so seamlessly with its surroundings and how the beauty of the landscape is reflected in the contemporary living space. that integration of "bringing the outdoors indoors" is a design philosophy that i really admire and respect.

photos via desire to inspire; photographer unknown

i find the combination of white + blonde wood so appealing for the clean and warm ambiance it exudes. did you notice how in each of these examples, i've included a shot of the kitchen? as my friend lara would say, "that's how i roll." a beautiful, functional kitchen is a deal breaker for me. i tend to fall pretty hard for spacious, tiled, white kitchens, like the one below.

photos by vincent laroux via style files via marie claire maison

p.s. i was very flattered to be mentioned in two blogs recently. my friend lisa conducted a mini-interview with me on her blog anali's first amendment. sara from be@home included me in her blog round-up. thanks, girls!

penelope

2010-05-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

i know i said i needed a little blogging break, but just as soon as i wrote just that, i felt compelled to blog about this little film. i'm still not sure if i'll be back to a regular schedule right now, but i'm happy enough to share with you the things that make me happy as i have time.

i remember reading about penelope when it first came out, but i didn't get a chance to see it until last week, when i just about fell in love with it. the film's visual aspects - the heroine's "anthropologie-esque" wardrobe and the beautiful sets that combine old-school and contemporary characteristics to create a distinct world for this modern-day fairy tale - kept me entranced. however, it was the touching performances by some of my favorite character actors and the film's message that really melted my heart. i would describe it as a mixture of beauty and the beast, wizard of oz, and a little amelie. this film is for old souls who are young at heart.

images from imdb and about movies

apologies for the blog neglect!

2010-05-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

these past few weeks have been so busy for me that unfortunately i haven't been able to put as much energy into my online journal as i would have liked. i hope to be back to a somewhat regular posting schedule soon! until then, here's a little photo of something i've been working on.

image from me

cynthia warren design

2010-04-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

loving the illustrations and calligraphy by cynthia warren. her style is so sweet and romantic, yet simple. swoon!

via d*s; images from cynthia warren's site; photos by aya brackett

hey there, cupcake

2010-04-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

i've been on a cupcake kick lately. the cupcake above is from kara's and the two below are from teacake.

images from me

micmacs

2010-04-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

can't wait for this film to come out.

pastry paris

2010-04-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

some of my favorite art forms (film, art, music, design) manage to convey a sensibility that is instantly familiar to me, yet expresses a point of view that is unique to the artist. susan hochbaum's mini-film pastry paris achieves this balance in the most charming way. she's created her "version" of paris that i completely understand and share and yet it is uniquely hers. the music, the sweet introduction, the typography, and of course the accompanying photography help to whisk me away to "susan's paris", which is where i would be happy to wander and get lost in.

susan recently announced the exciting news that the fab little bookroom will be turning pastry paris into a book. woohoo! go, susan!

photography by susan hochbaum

string gardens

2010-03-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

with spring finally here, it's been an absolute joy to see all the flowers and trees slowly coming back to life in my neighborhood. it also makes me feel like doing something new with my patio which i've shamefully neglected all winter (sad, but true!).

i'd love to see these string garden plants outside my window or even indoors. they remind me of antoine de saint-exupéry's illustrations of the little prince and the baobab tree he cares for on his planet.

all photos by paul barbera via string gardens site

paris 26

2010-03-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

i cannot get enough of this thing. probably the best way to explore paris when i can't actually be there.

(via my little paris)

photography within screenshot by arnaud frich

modern jacobean portraits

2010-03-18T17:42:00.000-07:00

wish i could be in new york to see jessica antola's modern jacobean portraits show in person.

all images by jessica antola

gather

2010-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

even though it's been over a week since i visited gather, the fabulous dining experience i had there still lingers in my mind. the restaurant's name itself, which conjures images of friends brought together over delicious food and drink, is such a spot-on indication of what to expect and reflects my favorite aspect of food culture. everything from the service, the decor, and their philosophy creates a warm and intimate atmosphere to enjoy their local, seasonal menu. i love restaurants that feel more "home-y", like you're eating at a friend's place.

images from gather website (photographer unknown, but if you know who it is, let me know!)

i love cows!

2010-03-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

i know it's a weird thing for me to profess, especially after my trepidation before visiting harley farms, but i had a breakthrough moment. it was while visiting diablo park with adorable couple mike and dorothy that a cow approached me as i was clicking away with my camera. instead of breaking out into a run, i just held my breath, stood still and kept shooting and something wonderful happened. i kind of fell in love. and can you blame me? just look at this adorable face.

now i know how nadia feels when she visits her farm friends and neighbors.

after bidding the cows good-bye, we realized we had parked the car really far away from the park entrance. even though we had to trudge through some muddy paths to reach the park, i was happy that we got the chance to walk to take in some beautiful scenery.

when we finally arrived at diablo, we didn't get far before we realized that the sun would be down before we could really explore the grounds. still, i was happy to explore what little scenery we saw, especially since the recent rain brought out brilliant shades of green.

images from me

dinner party remnants

2010-03-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

one of my resolutions for 2010 was to have more friends over for dinner. i love to cook and watching people enjoy a meal that i've put a lot of love and care into preparing is such a deep and distinct pleasure.

so over the weekend, i invited my good friends lara, ha, and liz over for what turned into a total girls' night. i had so much fun, i don't know what kept me from organizing them more often. this dinner ended up being more of a potluck, with each person contributing something delicious.

on the menu:
truffle mac and cheese
collard greens
wine (campo viejo gran reserva 2001)
caramel pecan cakes with homemade caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream

another bonus of hosting a dinner in my home is getting to bust out all the fun linens and tabletop stuff i hardly ever touch on a day-to-day basis. and at the end of the night, i was met with one of my favorite sights - the look of my table at the end of the meal, with empty wine glasses, plates and bowls with just traces of a delicious meal thoroughly enjoyed, forks and spoons without a crumb left. i've noticed a few magazines using this kind of "messy" look, and i have to say that i really enjoy it. i wish i had taken more photos. the two above are all that's left of the last meal. for my next dinners, i'll remember to take more photos.

images from me

"the follow"

2010-02-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

since i've been on a short film kick the past few days, i've rediscovered this short that was part of a series bmw produced about 10 years ago. i remember some of my friends thought it was a bit cheesy at the time, but i quite enjoyed seeing what each director would do with this project. having clive owen and any bmw at their disposal must have helped, too!

unbalance so as to rebalance

2010-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

since i'm recovering from mild hand surgery, i've been catching up on all the youtube clips i've bookmarked over the last few weeks. the videos i've been watching range from the silly (love andy samberg in on the ground) to the poetic, like the short film starring the always charismatic tilda swinton and shot by ryan mcginley for the fashion house pringle of scotland. i've viewed this film several times and always find some new element to admire (the haunting score or the whisper of the wind and water and seagulls in the background) that i hadn't caught before. to my senses, i'm given a viewing experience that's just as immersive as a feature length film. its minimal dialogue and gentle shots of the sky, sea, grass, and rocks remind me of the work of terrence malick, one of my favorite filmmakers. the closing line - unbalance so as to rebalance - is so relevant to me in so many ways at the moment. hope you enjoy it as much as i have!

stick 'em up

2010-02-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

sorry, i know that's a lame title, but i was spending way too long trying to think of a cute post name. anyway, have you noticed the food trend of having sweets on a stick? normally i find myself running away from trends, but until these reach oversaturation levels, i'm totally on board. (unless of course, these have been around forever, and i'm just discovering them now.)

i love how these desserts instantly become more portable and easily packaged for gift-giving, not to mention looking so darn cute in a bunch.

pie pops by luxirare

bouquet of rasberry mascarpone macarons by tartelette

hotchocspoon by chocolate company

hot chocolate on a stick by giver's log

somebody fan me

2010-02-12T17:15:00.000-08:00

i normally don't like to repost subjects from other blogs, but i found this photo essay so deeply inspiring, i couldn't resist.

i discovered the voracity's first photo essay called the fill of love via stylist emily henderson's blog the brass petal. (if you're not a subscriber, you should be. in addition to showcasing her own work as well as her colleagues', she has a wicked sense of humor, that one.) this volume explores the confluence of "hunger, consumption, and beauty."

the colors, textures, and shapes are mesmerizing and sexy. if you're a bit food-obsessed like me, then you know how different fruits, spices, and drinks can have a sensual element to them. don't forget to turn the captions during at least one of your viewings of this essay. the words complement each photo so beautifully.

photography by anna williams, prop styling my pamela duncan silver, food styling by susan spungen

rafael gil

2010-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

i discovered rafael gil's tango-themed collages while wandering the san telmo district. since i'm such a sucker for the tango, i bought one on the spot. it serves as a wonderful reminder of all the fab tango shows my uncle and cousins took me to in buenos aires.

images from here

the tango lesson

2010-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

i fell in love with tango just by watching the trailer to this film. my boyfriend at the time found it pretentious, but i found myself mesmerized by the dancing, the setting (paris and buenos aires!), and the dynamic between the characters. i'm also fascinated by the way the film explores the question: how can an independent woman follow her partner (in the tango or in life) when her instinct is to lead?

tramando

2010-02-09T23:14:00.000-08:00

as soon as i entered the incredible space that the boutique tramando calls home, i knew i'd have a hard time walking out the door with at least one of their creations. designer martin churba uses recycled remnants to create the fun objects that make up the company's home accessories.

the color, textures, and shapes in tramando's clothing line are hard to ignore; they project such a vibrant and assertive vibe without being to overpowering. i'd imagine that they would be "go to" pieces to throw on as instant mood-lifter.

the collection below draws its inspiration from "the depth of african roots." (i love the textured background and palette of neutrals).

the outfits below are from tramando's bajoflores collection, an homage to the bolivian community in argentina. i bought a skirt from this collection, and it's one of my favorite things to wear.images from tramando

humawaca

2010-02-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

i've been itching to revisit buenos aires lately. a few years ago, i managed a quick visit, but only for one week, which is not nearly long enough to scratch the surface of such a vibrant city. as a design-junkie who's also food- and tango-obsessed, buenos aires has so much to offer in those fields. walking around the city, it's obvious that a lot of its architecture was guided by the buildings in paris. many times throughout my visit, my uncle, who lives just outside buenos aires, would say, "just like paris, right?" um, not quite, but i still fell in love with the city.

so this week, i thought i'd share some of my favorite finds from argentina. first up is the leather goods brand humawaca.

i couldn't resist buying one of their wallets during my visit, and i still get compliments on it all the time. i love the color combinations, and the way the leather and the color ages beautifully. i also appreciate how a lot of their bags, like the one above, is unisex without being boring (although i'd be happy to carry around the floral number below).

images from humawaca