MASS CR8IVITY DAY: New Children's Museum

Lots of fun things to see and do at the New Children's Museum today, including the participation of my friends: local artists Joe and John, Noe from Untitled Space, and Wendy with Sophie's Gallery.

 Joe Yorty is a craftsman like none other, creating nostalgic collections of work out of concrete, wood, and fabric. He rarely sells his work, but has a goldmine of ideas that are humorous, sentimental and well executed. Here we get to see his other half take part, in a collaboration with John Brady that makes you feel young again.

 Noe with Untitled Space

Noe Olivas can be described as welcoming, resourceful and humble. His collaborative nature gives an all-access peek of interests that are relatable and stimulating. Untitled Space exists within a 1967 Chevy Step-van, (currently trimmed with pom pom balls) and serves as both a living sculpture in itself, and a stationary forum for a variety of work. If you are looking for a cause deserving of a donation, this is the place and the person to gift it.

Sophie's Gallery

Before my current job, I spent 5 years working at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities called St. Madeleine Sophie's Center. They are a huge organization that serves over 500 adults in a setting which includes an organic garden, pool and art program. The Gallery Administrator Wendy (not pictured) is a brilliant light and has a great appreciation for hand crafted items, folk art and recycled creations. She has single-handedly brought the talents of the participating artists to the attention of the community for many years and gets very little recognition for it. This non-profit is lucky to have someone so invested in the growth and giftedness of each individual there.Today they brought a saori loom to encourage interaction between people of all walks of life.

The New Children's museum theme is 'think, play, create'. Young or old, it has much to offer and is definitely the perfect way to color your day.

Girl Scouts, all grown up

Pigment, (my favorite shop in San Diego) is hosting neat little craft events that make me feel like a Girl Scout all over again. Yes, the prices are a little inflated but materials are provided and you leave with a goodie bag. The next craft camp is November 9th, book worms unite!

Your opinion matters

This week I've placed three handcrafted Public Suggestion Boxes into little pockets within my surrounding neighborhood: City Heights, Kensington, and University Heights.
I am anonymously asking, and in turn, anonymously receiving answers to a few basic questions:

What are you good at doing?

What do you love about your community?

What would you like to learn?

What would you improve in your neighborhood?

 I am hoping to find a name for the common threads that connect us, and represent no organization other than my own curious self. People have a hard time with that.

I placed the first box at a location I visit often, My Little 99 Cents Store on University and 43rd. Besides being in close proximity to where I live, I have found that this little gem carries a wide array of items I usually pay much more for at Albertson's across the way. The owner is always helpful and friendly and the store is well kept and organized in a way that makes sense. He was happy to participate in hosting a box, but asked if I would accept answers in Spanish. This was one thing I considered when making them, if I should write the questions in both Spanish and English, but I didn't want to inadvertently exclude those who speak other languages. So I asked if he could translate to his customers and he laughed, agreeably. He also told me I spent too much making it, although he did not ask how much, then warned me that it will probably be stolen.

The second box was placed at the Kensington Library across El Cajon Blvd on Adams ave. Kensington feels like miles away from City Height but it is actually bordering the district line. I wanted to open the questions up to mothers and children, both of which are always saturating this location, primarily at the park connected to the Library.
The Manager there at first seemed skeptical. I was asked who I represent and explained I am a resident in City Heights but work nearby and also know the owner of the art gallery across the street.

Once I presented the box she was intrigued, and complimented the design of it by saying it looked and smelled nice. She made a little spot for it by the door and said they would participate as long as I returned in a week to retrieve it.

 The third box was embraced by the barista's at one of my favorite coffee destinations, Mystic Mocha. I passed this spot many times before finally going inside when a co-worker of mine who lives on the same street suggested we meet there one day. I've been hooked ever since. Even though they close earlier than most coffee shops, (which is disappointing when you want a late afternoon pick me up), I like this spot because everyone there always seems like they're having fun at work, even when the line is out the door which it often is. The owner here made room for it right away and asked about what I do. When I mentioned the population I work with he said "we all have a little bit of that, don't we?" which I thought was true. Again I explained it's an idea for fun, since it was already called a school project. They generously offered me to pick it up in a month, and I laughed, knowing I will see that thing at least twice in the next week.

In the future I would like to craft several more boxes. I'd like to put one in my office, at Black Cat Bar, Kensington Video and some other preferred destinations. But I'd also like to offer one to places I've never been to before. Perhaps my own feelings of isolation in my community would mirror those in another? Or better yet, encourage me to seek a new network.

If you are interested in hosting a box, or have decorative tissue box holders that you would like to donate to help me create more, then I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a message. I promise your opinion does matter.

Happy Egyptian New Year!

The Summer Solstice, otherwise known as the longest day of the year, is here (and luckily the weather is cooperating!) And since I'm a geek I feel it is my duty to spread some necessary knowledge about it.

Solstices occur twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is oriented directly towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to reach its northernmost and southernmost extremes. The name is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices the Sun's apparent movement north or south comes to a standstill.

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) that such a passage happens. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures, solstices and equinoxes traditionally determine the midpoint of the seasons, which can be seen in the celebrations called midsummer and midwinter.


In Ancient Egypt, summer solstice was the most important day of the year. The sun was at its highest and the Nile River was beginning to rise. Special ceremonies were held to honor the Goddess Isis, since Egyptians believed that Isis was mourning for her dead husband Osiris, and that her tears made the Nile rise and well over. Accurately predicting the floods was of such vital importance that the appearance of the Sirius Constellation, (which occurs around the time of the summer solstice), was recognized as the beginning of the Egyptian New Year.

So, happy New Year! Since you have ample sunlight today, why not go shopping? Inventory has been updated at Lost & Found, inside Pat's. Although we don't have Amulets, we do have several picnic baskets, wicker chairs, and ladies espadrille and wedge shoes, perfect for the summer (with the recent cooperation of this weather). We also have a few mid-century coffee tables still up for grabs, night stands, women and men's vintage clothing, and much more!

Lovin' the Hut

It's official, I'm in love with Loving Hut! What started as an occasional treat has bred into a full blown craving that only their Coco Tofu can satisfy. Now, I'm a meat eater (they don't need to know that) but I like to consider myself more of a Flexitarian because I try to limit my intake and actually prefer veggies over beef any day. What has sadly held me back, (and I know this is terrible, but it's the truth), is my laziness. With a schedule like mine it is hard to find time to cook meals everyday. Plus, when you live alone, fresh veggies go bad so quickly. So, sometimes it is more convenient to eat on the go, which as everyone knows is not easy on the belly though. Secondly, organic food is expensive and hard to find. There are maybe, 3 vegetarian "fast food" places in San Diego. None of which are actually "fast."

So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the Loving Hut. Although I am not a professional food critic, nor do I have an educated palate, it is definitely blog-worthy. For these reasons:

1. They take the guilt right out of eating, with an all vegan menu that is varied and awesome. No animals harmed in making anything, plus no lack of flavor either. Their vision is that "all beings could live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet." That's easy to swallow. Apparently this concept was dreamed up by this lady, the Supreme Master of amazing food (hehe). She apparently even has her own t.v channel, wowza.

This is a kinda ridiculous photo for a Master to use , don't you think? A plant-based diet is noble indeed, but a cell phone shot?

2. They have mastered cooking tofu, which is rarely done right. Their cubes are firm and juicy, chewy without being over-done or mushy. They are seasoned with delicious spices like ginger and cilantro. Soy chicken? They have that too. These summer rolls are a favorite appetizer of mine, but are big enough to be a meal and/or share.


3. They are super cheap! A 3 course meal for my sister and myself cost around $30.00. Seriously. Their entrees are around $6-7 for a large, and only $5 for a medium size.
4. Iced cappuccino's. If only Starbucks could get this right. The Loving Hut does.

Another yummy drink they whip up (not my photo)

5. Their service is delightful. The genuinely nicest people work there, and get your meal out so quick you wonder if they mixed it up with someone else's before you. Today I went on my lunch break (I know, I'm addicted!) and they gave me a free recycled bag and plastic containers to re-use. Probably just because they can tell I'm gonna use it and tell everyone about them! (Done and done, by the way.)

(I don't know this dude, but he looks nice. And fast)

The only thing I can say could be improved, which is actually a selfish wish, is their hours. The San Diego location close to Park ave on El Cajon is open morning-ish till 2pm, then closes till 5 then reopens till 9pm. I believe they are closed on Sunday's. It's not bad, it's just when you've got your heart set on it and you take a later lunch, it sucks.

So, if I haven't convinced you to try it yet, you're never going to! I really do agree that the Loving Hut is exactly what they advertise: "a beacon of light for an alternative way of living. It’s healthier, it’s compassionate, it’s peaceful and it’s the only way to a sustainable planet."

Word to your mother.

March at Lost & Found

March is here already, and so is a bunch of cool new stuff at Lost & Found, including our new personalized salvage sign from my mom's old work. Take a look...

Unfortunately for you, the rosette rug is not for sale, it was my Grandma's. Sorry.

Sweet set of smoking chairs, with buttoned upholstery backs, which you can kinda see in the 2nd photo (below)

Also visible: the 60's Lucite end table and Industrial sewing table

Charming bric-a-brac:
Vintage Japanese Fondue set/ Acacia wood bowl
Bachelor bar set that includes 2 glasses and gold serving tray/ Orange knit purse

Adorable vintage nightstand with hand carved handles /Faux fruit centerpiece/ Set of 2 blue upholstered Mahogany chairs

Vintage sticks (crates not for sale)/ Collapsible green chair/ Wood floral wall decor

Antique art deco coffee table/ Atlas/ Brass candle sticks with candles/ Vintage clothing

And more, in person... go see for yourself. Pat's is open everyday 10-6pm.

Lost & Found: February Shopping Guide

It's a new month, and a new opportunity to find something at Lost & Found. We have just filled the space with tons of great stuff, so stop on buy before it's all snatched up! Here's some of my favorites:

High back teak wood chair, with new green and teal cotton blend tweed upholstery
$40.00

Maple side table in great shape $40.00

Vintage Globe $30.00
Abe Bust $10.00
Glass ashtray $5.00
Wood stool $20.00

Bamboo shell table $20.00

Set of 4 wood Japanese bowls $20.00
White Airplane Lamp $10.00
Set of 2 Japanese Watermelon Mugs $6.00

Set of 2 High Back dining chairs with new olive green upholstery
$60.00

Shop with us, and go home happy!

Lost & Found is located directly inside Pat's Corner
3409 30th St
(between Upas St & Myrtle Ave)
San Diego, CA 92104