D.I.Y. Summer souvenir's

"A souvenir (French), for a remembrance or memory), memento, keepsake or token of remembrance is an object a person acquires for the memories the owner associates with it. The term souvenir brings to mind the mass-produced kitch that is the main commodity of souvenir and gift shops in many tourist traps around the world. But a souvenir can be any object that can be collected or purchased and transported home by the traveler. The object itself has no real significance other than the psychological connection the possessor has with the object as a symbol of past experience. Without the owner's input, the object's meaning is invisible and cannot be articulated"

Unless that souvenir is thoughtful, and unique, and (hopefully) free! Like the project I am working on with shells I just collected on vacation in Cape Hatteras.


So many beautiful shells washed up during low tide, it became addicting to scavenge the beach for gems everyday. Or sometimes twice... The Atlantic, with it's coarse sand, sea oat covered dunes, and dreamy skies made for a completely different "beach" experience for me and I want to preserve it!

Here is a little Do it Yourself project that makes a nice little memento for summer trips, and it nearly free. It just requires Ziploc bags, glass jars and a big flat space to work on.


The first step is the most fun... just collect! Either stick to a few themes, for instance a certain color ( in this case I was attracted to the black shells), or go for anything interesting. Use Ziploc bags to collect sand or gravel in an air-tight (airplane-safe) way.

Next, probably when you get home, wash everything to get the sea critters off. I enjoy the scent of the sea so I just lighted dusted off what I needed to.

Then, organize the piles of finds into categories so it is easier to put together. This is especially important if you are making several jars, or have collected for different people. You can group items together by a random mix, or by species, color, etc. This time, I am including a bit of the sea gravel, sand, and selections of special shells in each. I bought a 4 pack of small mason jars at Ace Hardware for around 5 bucks, plus found a few others at a thrift store.


Lastly, label the jar with the location of where it was collected. And boom! Nice little package for your special someone.

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.

What the what?!

JUNE and my Amazon purchases have arrived! I have around two more weeks till vacation and am trying to save Bossypants for my beach read, but Tina Fey has been seducing me a little each day with those big, manly hands... Can't wait to dig in! Both to the sand and the book.


In the meantime, it seems like the weather has mellowed out and summer is on it's way in. Which means, bikini shopping. ugh. On the bound for a cute 'kini if anyone can help a sister out and suggest a place to find something, um, supportive and cute. Too bad they're not made like this anymore...



Online ordering of a suit (with my kind of figure) is a no-go, so I am relying on local resources. Perhaps a synchronized sun dance will land the perfect fit, like the falling bottle in The God's must be Crazy. Wish me luck!

evento de pedo

Featuring:
A fraternity of USD students. And one or two things by me.

"she likes things"

The first post of a new series...

One of my favorite free time activities is rooting through people's stuff, not in a creepy way but mostly just for the fun of the hunt, and the kind of discards that can be found. Now, I have an inside lead on the latest open houses around town, thanks to my friend and fellow collector Sara Mullert, with her new business launch and journey in entrepreneurship. Heirloom Estate Liquidations offers help clearing out homes quickly and with respect for your possessions, honoring your wishes with integrity and dependability. It states that on her business card, but seriously she is very meticulous and knowledgeable about valuables. Congratulations Sara!

Also, for the hoarders out there (I say this with love, it takes one to know one) stay tuned for updates on estate sales throughout San Diego County. Sara is hosting one this weekend in fact, on Saturday and Sunday April 16th-17th from 9am till 2pm. Bring cash!

6225 Viewpoint Dr.
San Diego, CA. 92139
Map

*For service consultations, Sara can be reached at 619-944-5398

On a side note, kinda want to start a dumpster dive coalition... where my freegan's at? Portland, ya hear me?

S L I D E P R O J E C T O R

This Saturday night from 6-9pm at Agitprop Space

Seven artists use 35mm side projectors. Fetish, memorial, utility, folk and spook, this exhibition is an exploration into the collective interest of this popular viewing device.

Participating artists: Ela Boyd, Micki Davis, Anna Chiaretta Lavatelli, Sheryl Oring, Katrin Pesch, Vabianna Santos & Joe Yorty

Wretches & Jabberers

I saw the most liberating documentary this weekend. In honor of Autism Awareness month, Wretches & Jabberers was showing one day only at AMC. The story of two men with Autism who travel the world giving advice/solace/Polaroids to those who also use "abnormal" communication to speak. Larry and Tracey aren't "angels" but they're definitely doing God's work, whoever (s)he may be, spreading awareness that diversity is a normal aspect of humanity, and that it should be celebrated and respected.


On a side note, I used my momentum from the film to order a long awaited for gift to myself, Fugifilm's latest Polaroid camera the Instax 210. Now, find a way to travel the world!

Bells in a Bar

Last Friday, magic happened at Bluefoot. A gang by the name Kembang Sunda captivated a curious crowd by performing traditional music from West Java, Indonesia in the crowded bar. Kembang Sunda is a Sundanese gamelan degung ensemble directed by Amy Hacker, which has been performing in San Diego since 2007.

My video was shot with whisky vision, so here is a better one off their website...




Add them on Facebook to see their next performance. It is truly a healing experience!

Moutarde

Mustard is yummy on just about everything...

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.