Monthly Archives: July 2010
Truly Gorgeous
| July 30, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under Body, books, do-it-yourself, Inspiration, Projects, Read, Sustainable Living, weekend fun |
I had the pleasure and good fortune to meet Sophie Uliano, author of Gorgeously Green, at an event last night. She is a true gem, with a sparkling personality and totally down-to-earth approach to being healthy, happy and eco-friendly. I picked up a copy of her latest book called Do It Gorgeously – a guide for the Not-Marthas out there who still want to give their DIY skills a shot and save the planet (and money) at the same time.
As I’m flipping through my new treasure I am so excited to get crackin’ on making some beauty products, then move onto the home and garden as well. I’m totally inspired to put away my wallet and start connecting with the things I put on my skin!
The first recipe that really caught my eye was this easy eye serum (I’m obsessed with eye serums) that can be made with minimal ingredients. Since Sophie looks amazing, the fact that she swears by this is enough for me!
So give it a go and let me know what you think. My goal is to try one new thing a week and I’ll report back on my findings too!
Happy Weekend!
Living Roof Road Trip…
| July 29, 2010 | Posted by Lauren Moss under architecture, Guest Bloggers, Sustainable Living, travel |
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a weekend getaway…
A popular road trip for those of us in Orange County is the drive up to Northern California, where beautiful natural landscapes and a dynamic city keep visitors and locals busy both indoors and out during the warmer summer months. And then, of course, there’s the architecture…
A fantastic site to visit while in the Bay Area is the California Academy of Sciences, at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit this extraordinary interactive center, it’s reason enough to plan a trip up north!
In addition to housing the world’s largest digital planetarium, a living rainforest and natural history museum, the design features an extensive, undulating planted roof that takes the concept of ‘green roof’ to another level. The domes formed by this element respond to the natural landscape of the city, establishing a strong visual connection to the larger environmental context (and a great view for the volunteers in the image below).
The sloping topography of the four domes is also a way to help control microclimate, using the means by which air movement interacts with steep site conditions to cool exterior gathering spaces below. It also provides for insulation and minimized runoff, as rainfall is absorbed by the numerous species of California native plants, chosen specifically to attract wildlife and provide habitats for insects, birds, and butterflies.
Additionally, the roof has integrated, automated skylights that respond to changing temperature and humidity levels, providing ventilation and creating an open, comfortable interior space, with natural light illuminating the steel and glass structure and highlighting the central rainforest dome.
Also noteworthy is the great view of the de Young museum across the plaza…
Transparent photovoltaic panels surround the planted roof, enhancing the sense of lightness and transparency distinct to the architectural aesthetic.
For more information on visiting the California Academy of Sciences and for further details on this unique convergence of urban ecology and sustainable architecture, visit www.calacademy.org.
Happy Travels!
3 Little Bird(houses)
| July 28, 2010 | Posted by Morgan G under Guest Bloggers, Inspiration, Outdoors |
This time last year I had one garden wish and one garden wish alone – a birdhouse. Sad to say, I never made it happen – but! – the universe made it up to me this spring because, at work, we have enjoyed not one, not two, but three little bird families in residence.
There’s something kinda wonderful about human built birdhouses. Though their own nests suffice quite well, I find it magical that birds will happily shack up in a human offering that resembles a human dwelling. Maybe it’s only the lazy or opportunistic or procrastinating individuals of the species that do this, but they do indeed! Case(s) in point – we had a family in each of our houses. The kids have since left the nest, so I took a few close-up shots of the now-abandoned homes.
I also thought it’d been fun to take a porch perspective of each. That’s the view that follows.
My personal favorite of these is the White & Brown House – very shabby chic, right? If last summer’s wish comes true this year, though, and I do get a birdhouse in my own garden, I might have to get one of these:
A natural-looking abode for the bird who is truly one with, er, nature. Available at curios-n-gifts.com.
A bright, bulbous (more square inch-age, right?) home for the minimalist bird with a sense of humor. Featured at iainclaridge.co.uk.
A metal nest for self-deprecating birds who believe they deserve solitary confinement. Check it out at tomdukich.com.
For the Mr. and Mrs. Bird who have something to prove. Gotta have it? Go to yardenvy.com.
Ah, I could go on and on. But enough, I need to make a decision and your input to do so. Which should the hubs and I buy?
Thank you to Linsi and David for the monthly real estate. Love working with you guys! mg
Spotlight On Tag Home
| July 26, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under accessories, redefine home, textiles, weekly favorites |
I love pillows, but not as much as designer Kellie Avakian of Tag Home Design. Kellie has a passion for textiles and an eye for luxury, which is why her collection for Redefine Home is so amazing. Her pillows are gorgeous to look at and amazing to touch, not to mention her endlessly creative ways to turn reclaimed and scrap materials into something wonderful. She is one of our favorites in the store and I decided it was time to give her some props.
So this week I’m doing a 20% discount to promote her pillow collection – they’re a bit of splurge but worth their weight in gold (or scrap denim). Each one is handmade in Los Angeles and Kellie has a hand in every step of the process. Here are a few of my favorites – and our customer’s faves too!
People drool over this waxed linen and leather pillow. Can you really blame them? It’s shiny and has a beautiful texture to the linen that I have never seen before. David is even designing a lamp with this linen, he’s obsessed.
Black and White is a classy combo, but the bold pattern on linen is pretty unique. Kellie is all about the texture!
The perfect pillow for an upscale patio (or the yacht, darling). It’s made to be outdoors.
I still consider this the best purchase I’ve made in a while. From scrap denim, this looks awesome on a white slipcovered chair or sofa. It’s totally casual but luxurious at the same time. My fave!
People are going nuts right now with the vintage bus blind signs, and this creative twist is a great way to hop on (pardon the pun) without a big commitment. Kellie has a whole slew of stops, from Manchester to Champs-Elysees.
Visit our Tag Home shop to see the whole collection and use coupon code TAG20 to save 20%, plus free shipping.
Happy Monday!
Surf’s Up
| July 23, 2010 | Posted by Linsi Brownson under cocktails, cooking, food, weekend fun |
This weekend is David’s Birthday (I’m not telling which one) and we’re gonna celebrate by hitting the waves- him for the first time ever and me for the first time in several years. Luckily we have awesome friends who can get us up and riding in no time…maybe…
Regardless, my mind is already at the beach and I’m totally feelin’ the surf culture again. The sandy hair, the smell of coconut scented sunscreen, and the head nods from all the people who are feeling as exuberant as you do after crawling out of a good beating from mother ocean.
If you aren’t able to make it to the beach this weekend, why not bring a little surf culture into your home? How about a great recipe for vegan green tea cupcakes from Pro Surfer Esther Hahn, courtesy of Vegetarian Times Mag. If a cocktail is more your speed, try the Surfer on Acid. Recipes below.
Vegan Gluten-free
Cupcakes
1/3 cup canola oil
1 cup almond milk
3/4 cup agave nectar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup plus 4 tsp. tapioca flour
2 Tbs. plus 2 teaspoons ground flaxseed
1/2 cup plus 8 tsp. chickpea flour
1/2 cup plus 8 tsp. brown rice flour
1/3 cup plus 2 Tbs. almond flour
1 tsp. gluten-free baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
4 tsp. matcha green tea powder
Sweet Almond Whipped Crème
1/2 cup sweetened almond milk
1 cup extra-firm silken tofu
4 Tbs. maple syrup
1/4 tsp. salt
8 Tbs. cooked white rice
1/2 tsp. coconut extract
2 tsp. almond extract
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tray with cupcake liners.
2. To make Cupcakes, Combine oil, milk, agave nectar, and almond and vanilla extracts in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to fully combine. Add tapioca flour and ground flaxseed, and blend well with mixer.
3. Add chickpea, brown rice, and almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Use mixer to blend well. (Over-mixing will not be an issue since there is no gluten involved in the recipe.)
4. Fill the cupcake liners evenly and nearly to the brim.
5. Bake for 21 to 23 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack.
6. To make Sweet Almond Whipped Crème, combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
7. Dollop large spoonfuls of Crème onto completely cooled cupcakes.
1 oz Malibu® coconut rum
1/2 – 1/3 oz Jagermeister® herbal liqueur
2 oz pineapple juice
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