Sommer Designs

Monday Mosaic

 

I meant to post a proper post today, but I'm running around getting ready to go out of town for a few days on another....wait for it....college tour. This is our last trip of this sort, happily, because besides being exhausting, it's also expensive.

I know. I shouldn't even complain yet. Wait till that tuition bill arrives...

Anyhow - enjoy these gorgeous photos from some very talented Flickr people! To see the original on my stream with links to the original photostreams, click here!

Enjoy your week! XO

Press Pass

My son Colin (who is an intern at the local cable station, RPV-Channel 33) has had all sorts of amazing opportunities. He's met people and gone places, as a member of the press, that few 17 year olds have had the chance to experience. He's been in the pit at the Long Beach Grand Prix, filmed a private interview with LA Dodgers' Tommy Lasorda, and last week spent the afternoon at Elysian Park before a Dodger game filming and being a part of the whole pre-game press junket. It boggles my mind.

Yesterday, he had the opportunity to accompany the RPV Ch 33 anchor reporter, Maria Serrao (FYI: you must read about Maria on her website - she's an amazing inspiration), to Lucky Strike in downtown LA for a Dodgers Dream Foundation fundraiser.

And guess what?

He needed a ride.

On the drive downtown, I was given the rules of the press. You cannot ask for autographs. You cannot ask to take pictures with celebrities. However, you can take pictures at the event of any of the players and celebrities that are there. It's expected. I, on the other hand, had no idea what to expect. But Maria could always use photos for her website and that was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

We got there early and Colin & Maria started by checking their equipment and doing sound checks.

 

Inside, all the media are in line in front of a huge Dodger backdrop.

 

After the attendees arrive and they are given their bowling shirts, they stride in front of the backdrop for photos - a little bit of red (or blue!) carpet treatment! I have to admit, I'm totally not a sports person, and had no idea who anyone was. Even the celebrities. When a cute petite girl walked up and people were snapping away, I just stood there. And then Alyssa Milano walked away and I had lost my chance! After that, I was a little more diligent.

Greg Grunberg from Hereos.

 

I believe, Matt Kemp from the Dodgers.

 

Chin Han from The Dark Knight

 

Um, Larry King, who I swear is the human Montgomery Burns.

 

We were really all over the place - checking the bowling lanes and getting pictures and footage of the players bowling. Manny Rameriez showed up and all attention was totally diverted.

 

In between throwing a large heavy ball down an alley, he signed baseballs and bats.

 

And I had a great time watching Colin in action, right in the middle of it all.

 

Completely confident and self assured - I gush. I think Maria interviewed all the players that were there - everyone knows her and everyone talks - mostly about being part of the Foundation and the opportunity to give back to community and help inner city kids.

 

Maria with Manny (above) & Brent Leach (below)

 

Tommy Lasorda

 

And James Loney (who hosted the event).

 

Brad Ausmus

 

They shot some opening and closing remarks,

and we were pretty much done. Can you believe that? It was so cool to see the behind the scenes of what goes on with the media. There are TONS of people with big, bulky cameras, following these people around, shouting "look over here!" "to your left!" and they (players & celebrities) are complying, but also trying to just do their thing.

And there in the middle of it all is my baby. I'm telling you, teenagers might be the death of me, but every once in a while I realize we did something right.

Playing inside the Vintage Jewelry Box

We went straight from June gloom into an unbelievable heat wave. Even in my neck of the woods, where we almost always have the benefit of my friend, Coastal Eddy, it's been frying. I should remember this every year, because this is right about the time I get started on my fall line.

As you know, my workshop/studio is in my garage, which faces west, and, which gets the hot afternoon sun for the majority of the day. Consequently, I've been spending lots of time inside where the A/C is keeping us comfortable and movies are plentiful! I've discovered the portability of little jewelry projects.

 

This is one of the pieces I recently bought at an antique street fair, it was $3.75. I almost didn't buy it because it was so gaudy ugly, but I immediately saw the potential for a refashion. The lucite beads are separated by metal spacers and I figured they would be so easy to take apart.

 

I started by figuring out which part would be necklace, and which part would work for a matching set of earrings. I added some brass chain and a clasp, and, seriously, that was just about it.

 

Two necklaces, and plenty leftover for maybe even another, but I went on to the earrings.

 

 

I put a couple of the beaded pieces on brass earwires and added a couple of bead drops at the bottom of each set. Easy peasy, and perfect to occupy me for a couple of hours!

Do you have some gaudy ugly 1970's jewelry laying around? This was a fun diversion and I got to play with some beads and wire - inspiration strikes in funny places sometimes. :)

24 hours in San Diego

 

And yet, another college tour: San Diego State University. We headed down there early Friday morning to check out the campus and be led around by another overly excited incoming senior.

 

Another beautiful campus, with a mixture of new and old.

 

We didn't feel like we got a lot of information on this tour, but we had gotten lost on the way there, and missed the actual admissions presentation which probably contained most of the important stuff (it firgures). We weren't worried too much, because they are really all pretty much the same.

 

We always like to check out the Student Stores when we go on these tours, they've changed so much in the last 28 years. Most of them these days are like mini department stores. Check this out:

 

Apparently, SDSU is the first campus store to house a MAC department. And this wasn't just a little standing display; there were about 4 of these islands with a full time MAC specialist on staff (wonder how long that will last?). This was far less interesting to my college-bound boys.

After we left, we headed downtown (which is actually on the coast) to the Gaslamp District; just for fun, we splurged and had booked a suite at the Hard Rock Hotel.

 

It was very cool, but very cramped, even in suite standards. But the location was great, and the people-watching spectacular, and the boys thought we were rock stars...for about two minutes.

 

We enjoyed happy hour at Nobu downstairs, where I had the most amazing Pineapple Martini and we had the most delicious oyster shooters (those did not last for a photo)

  

The Gaslamp Quarter is pretty quiet during the day, but since it's almost all bars and restaurants, really amps it up in the evening. The sidewalks and every restaurant is packed; we were so happy to see them thriving in this economy. 

But the funniest part was after dinner, walking into the hotel and there in the lobby was Scotts cousins daughter, who is getting married next month, having her Bachlorette Party! We stole Kelly & her sister Katie for a quickie family photo (proof of insobriety) and then left them to their illicit bachlorette activities!

 

The best part of the weekend was coming home early enough on Saturday to continue enjoying the weekend! Hope you had a great one too!

Friday Flickr Favs: summertime

 

I feel very boring lately! I can't tell you how much I"m enjoying my summer and doing very little for a change. Just little things, here and there, which is perfect and just what I really needed. Some fall fabrics have arrived and, little by little, I'm diving into them, and planning and cutting.

Some fall show contracts have arrived, and admittedly, I'm taking my time with them and being a little choosey. I'm trying to pace myself, or my schedule, because if I don't, I will crash and burn - and I'm still feeling the effects from this past spring.

I've been reading (having a hard time concentrating), watching movies (we joined Netflix a few months ago, and all I can say is, wow - clobber me over the head, movies delivered to me?) and trying to take regular walks (somehow, an extra 10 found a home on me).

So, see? Boring. If not that, then enjoying the sunshine and relaxed pace of summertime. Which is what we all should do, right?

Another easy dinner: Chicken Piccata

Did you sign up for the Dinner Tonight emails from Everyday Food like I told you to? I'm serious when I say it will make your life easier.

Case in point: yesterday, while I was struggling (yes, it's a struggle) to compile a shopping list for the market, and trying to plan dinner for the week, this Chicken Piccata recipe dropped into my inbox. It was from the Universe. Kidding. It was from Martha. She read my mind clear across the country. 

With the exception of the chicken breasts, everything was in my pantry and/or refrigerator (or, was soon to be). It was easy, it was fast, it was delicious and more importantly, my family liked it.

 

You can sign up for the Dinner Tonight emails right here. I can't make it much easier for you. XO

Visiting Renegade Los Angeles

This past weekend Renegade Craft Fair finally came to Los Angeles! And once again, I got to play shopper, and was so happy to be visiting and not vending! This was the best, because there were so many of my crafty business friends there, that I only get to see in person for maybe, 5 minutes, becasue we're all always working! I was in heaven.

It was located on the top floor of the California Market Center (same location as Unique LA a few months ago), which is a great space for this type of event. Some of the peeps I saw...

 

I got to visit my pal Kelley, who had her booth jam packed with all her lovelies (and check out her amazing chenille skirt, which I covet).

 

Michelle Caplan had an awesome display, I love her aesthetic and her work, it's just so gorgeous.

 

My friend Christine Haynes, who does amazing work and Maggie from Supermaggie (you have to check out their shirts, I have 2; love them, wear them all. the. time.)

 

Jenn from Just Jenn Designs - who will never let me take a photograph of her (I think she'll melt) so I took a picture of her "Thanks for Nothing" cards. (Thanks for nothing Jenn!)

 

Jenny Ryan from Home Ec (on the right) and Billie & Tootie from Reform School. They had Home Ec demonstrations and classes, and I was so bummed to have to miss that fun (I had Scott, Dylan & Drew with me - we all scattered, but still...)

It was so great seeing everyone - and as I said, so great to be able to wander and take my time. I'm loving being a visitor and socializing. So imagine my excitement when I spotted Natalie Tischler from Ornamental Things!

 

I've been a huge fan of Natalie's reconstructed jewelry for years, and have several wonderful pieces. I was just totally beside myself that I could shop in person, and finally meet her after all these years! She's is just as lovely and sweet as she is online. By the way, Natalie, and so many of these amazing craftspeople, are heading up to San Francisco this weekend for Renegade San Francisco - if you are in the area, check it out. It will be amazing.

I know I missed full rows of vendors, as I said, I had people in tow and didn't want to hear about it later. I'm liking playing the shopper though...what a nice break!

A Super Easy Summer Dinner!

 

I used to subscribe to Everyday Food Magazine, but then quit when I was trying to rein in my magazine consumption (which I am never successful at!). Then I found out I could subscribe to it online, and they would email me a recipe every weekday. It's awesome, you should go sign up. I print out the ones I like, try them when I can, and if they're a family success, they go in a binder.

I think I received this one back in February;tried it, liked it and made it again two nights ago. It's so easy because you use a whole roasted chicken that you buy at the store, and there is minimal stove top time. It's perfect to enjoy on the patio, or in the garden, with guacamole and of course, ice cold beer. Chicken Chilaquiles - and the recipe is right here - enjoy! [note: it is a bit spicy; you can probably tone down the chiles, but that's what the ice cold beer is for.]

Just take a Deep Breath

 

Alternatively titled, "Just take a Deep Breath and finish the Damn Sweater!" Beki has put me to shame,finishing this sweater even though she started it after me, and has worked on tons of other craft projects at the same time (She made hers short sleeve; mine is long. That would have made it easier for me, but I wouldn't have worn it much).

After ripping it back and adding some rows to the upper torso, I've been working on it bit by bit (obviously not enough). I sit down to knit a few rows on that arm, do about 10, and then put it down for a few days. It's a terribly boring knit, but I love simplicity, and I know I will love the sweater when it's finished.

Yesterday I finally tried it on (sorry for the crappy bathroom lighting), and was happy to discover that I only have a couple of inches to go to finish that left arm.

I'm trying to decide how I'm going to finish the sleeves and torso bottom. I'm not sure I want to do the same stitch as the neckline, I'd like it a little looser and casual. I thought of just binding off and letting it curl naturally, but that might be too casual. Another idea I had was to get to the bottom, do 1 row of purl and then 2 rows of knit, so it would have the curl, but not so much.

Any other ideas? Has anyone tried what I'm thinking of doing? How has it worked out? I'd love to know!

The Monday After

Hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing holiday weekend! We did very little. It was perfect.

After Colin came back from filming the City Hall's July 4th Celebration, we decided to head into the city to the old Farmer's Market. At first I was questioning the decision, being that it was a holiday, but then thought maybe traffic wouldn't be too bad. Maybe people were hanging out at the beach, or having barbecues, or stalking Neverland Ranch.

Alas, there was no traffic. It was amazing.

 

I think Scott and I could hang out at the Famer's Market for hours. The kids, not so much. There are still a few vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but it's mostly food vendors from all over the world.

The place is a total throwback; they haven't changed a thing. We were guessing this woman was original to the market. I'm totally serious.

 

 

[mmmm, fresh peanut butter!]

There's no arguing about what to eat here, everyone doesn't have to agree. We found a table and made ourselves comfortable, and doled out bills - Colin & Dylan had Russian Pizza; Scott found mighty Jambalaya; Drew found the Hot Sauce Store and I couldn't make up my mind.

We walked the adjacet Grove for a bit, but wandered back to the Farmer's Market for another quick go-thru before heading out. It was really perfect.

P.S. Kitty is making herself at home quite nicely! She goes to the vet today for her first visit. And she has been named. She is known as Commissioner Molly. But you can call her Molly for short. :)