Our new place...in two years

Bob and I have started discussing buying a fixer upper in the next couple of years once he has completed film school. I’ve always imagined my first home to be a reasonably priced, slightly worn California bungalow that we can rebuild with our own hands. We both grew up in suburban neighborhoods where all of the homes resembled one another, so uniqueness is paramount. Since our talk, I haven’t been able to think of much else. I’m googling a thousand different types of hardwood floors, building my dream home on Pinterest, picking out colors. It’s getting really bad. Of course I can’t help but share some of my ideas here. ..

White walls, wooden beams, and the only plant I can keep alive

Bathtub in the bedroom..Maybe?

Outdoor Patio

Holly and Darrell

I met Holly and her owner Darrell over the weekend and haven't been able to keep them out of my mind. Darrell, a graduate of Brown University is now homeless and living under a bridge in downtown LA. He panhandles to provide little Holly with her food and tiny comforts, but hopes to one day give her more. He’s been contemplating giving her up to a better home so that she can live a healthier life than the one he can provide.  It pains me to see someone so gentle and loving having to make this decision.  

Weekend: Downtown Arts District

Bob and I stayed in the downtown Arts District over the weekend. We were house sitting for a friend in her gorgeous loft near 7^th street. I absolutely love the area and never turn down a request to house sit there. The neighborhood is gritty, artistic, and surprisingly humble. There’s also a unique sense of community among its inhabitants and the homeless. It’s only been a couple months since my last visit and already so much has changed! There are new art pieces, a brand new coffee shop and a pub. It’s really interesting to see the area evolving and transforming into its next phase!  

The view from our window

One of my favorite artists JR

What to do in the Arts District: 

Eats: 

Wurstkuche - Nearly everyone in Los Angeles has made the trek to this downtown gem for sausages, mouthwatering fries and delicious German beers. If you haven’t been here yet or you’re visiting LA, it’s a must see!

What to Try: I suggest the Italian Vegetarian Sausage and Belgian Fries lathered in truffle oil. For dipping sauces I prefer the Pesto Aioli and Curry Ketchup. 

Pizzanista- This is unquestionably Bob’s favorite pizza place. The $2 slices on Tuesdays lured us in and the delectable pizza kept us coming. The owner, skateboarding star Salman Agah is a true legend and the sweetest guy. He tries to remember everyone’s name and makes you feel at ease.  

What to Try: The cheese & margarita pizzas are perfect!

Drinks: 

Tony’s Saloon – With new bars darting up all around the area, Villains Tavern, Little Bear, and The One Eyed Gypsy to name a few;  I still prefer Tony’s. If you like whiskey and want to try something new, come here! I think they have one of the best selections of whiskey in LA and the bartenders are knowledgeable, but never preachy. It’s low key and draws a nice crowd.

What to try: The Old Fashioned. Get the bartender to suggest a good whiskey and splurge a little bit on it. 

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Coffee:

I've been hearing great things about the Handsome Coffee Roasters, but for now I prefer the Spanish Latté from the downtown Urth Café. There’s really nothing like it. 

Have a great Monday! 

xoxo

British Kids Review Indie Rock

Move aside Pitchfork, the kids really know what's up: Watch Here

Album Covers Recreated

Recreated  these album covers using my iPhone, PictureShow, and Camera+. 

 Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

Album - Girls 

$quality - Zoo Kid

The Makers

This weekend got me thinking a lot about craftsmen and artisan-produced products. In the age of technology and the chaotic rush of our lives, it’srefreshing and lovely to see people working with their hands. The time and patience it takes to develop and then craft wonderful pieces is admirable. It’struly a lost art and I respect anyone who pursues it. I recently stumbled upon the photo blog, The Markers Project, by Jennifer Causey,  which sets out to capture these artists and the products that they create. Check it out:   http://www.themakersproject.com/

Flashback Friday: That Time I lived in New York City and Chopped All My Hair Off Among Other Things:

This was taken only four years ago, but it feels like a lifetime ago. When I look at this, I see a completely different person than the one I am now.

I fled to NYC to get some gritty filmmaking experience, but also to get away from Los Angeles and start over, even for a few months. I owe a large part of who I am today to the city of New York and the time I spent there. I’ve lived and traveled on my own before, but NYC was a different beast. It’s truly a city that will chew you up and spit you out into a million pieces. Everything was a hustle there. The people you met were all hustling and struggling for their passions, and more importantly never settling. Living there gave me the confidence and backbone I needed to work in this thrilling and at times soulless industry. It’s always good to look back, but I’m happy to leave this girl behind.   

The Blues

The first time I heard the Blues was in Natchez, Mississippi. It’s a place that reveals the true South in all its glory and all its ugly history. Much like Blues, it doesn’t shy away from the unsightly side of life. Stunning Spanish moss drips from its trees, Confederate flags fly over pickup trucks, and the haunting voices of Blues singers glide out of every store and restaurant. It's a magical and spooky place that stole my heart then and continues to today. Here are a few heavy tunes that bring me back there. Hope you enjoy!

http://open.spotify.com/user/1218291131/playlist/4ZEJSuE8DYrFAqd0f9WTDG

Black Cat Bone: Lightnin’ Hopkins

Stool Pigeon Blues: Big Joe Williams

New Orleans Bound – Lightnin Slim

Candy Man – Taj Mahal 

A Man & His Music

Last night, I came home to this man and his records. I have no idea why, but this picture makes me fall hard for him. 

Weekend Cooking

I traveled to my home town this weekend to spend some quality time with my family. Having an Italian mom, quality time usually involves cooking! My mom, pictured below in her younger years, taught me that food should be two things, simple and fresh.

We created a delicious pizza with fresh veggies from our local farmer's market and homemade mozzarella  from an Italian deli down the street. We sprinkled a little olive oil on top and placed it in the oven until the cheese melted. So simple and delicious! 

Flashback Friday

Angelenos are spoiled when it comes to weather. The coldest it has been all winter is around 50 degrees, and I find that completely intolerable. Trust me,  I feel horrible saying that when people are still shoveling snow out of their driveways and adding layers upon layers to their bodies. I must have been a desert baby in another lifetime, because I simply can’t function in any weather below 80. I needed something to warm me up today and this picture did just that. 

This was taken of me and my friend Christina on the third day of the Coachella Valley Music Festival. We were exhausted from running around trying to catch every single band and needed a quick break before the last big night. Bob thankfully snapped this picture of us basking in the sunshine.  

My City

Downtown Los Angeles lunch