Etsy Shop

We opened our Etsy shop today! Come by and say hello :)

JB+KL

Digital Love

I've never been a huge fan of digital art, but I think the work featured on Experience the Planets really shows off the passion of these artists. As a fan of sci fi, I can appreciate the content, but what I enjoy the most is seeing an artist's imagination and creativity at work. You can buy these prints from the website as well, but before you click on to the site, prepare yourself for the "experience" (aka the music, which I would normally hate, but somewhat enjoy in this context). Experience the Planets

JB

On My Desk

Leo making some important paper selection choices for Post Box Press. Criteria? Chew-ability.

He's a big French Paper fan.

KL

Passion laid bare

I was obsessed with the work of a photographer named Aaron Chang as a young boy; the images of barreling waves and idealized surfers resonated within me. A few weeks ago, and fell back in love with a similar portrayal of the sea in a video by Astray Films, featuring incredible storytelling and absolutely stunning imagery. It takes a few minutes to watch, but it's well worth your time.

JB

Summertime

p.s. The Cakes That Go Pop website is up! Come by and say hello!

KL

Los Angeles

My husband and I had our first weekend away without Leo at the end of May. We decided to go to LA: far enough to feel like a real getaway, but close enough to rush home in the middle of the night if necessary :)

*It's worth noting that Leo stayed with Grandma + Grandpa, and had such a fun time he didn't even know we were gone.

We have long had a love/hate relationship with LA. We love the Getty, but hate battling the traffic to get there. We love camping in Malibu, but can't stand the crowds. We love the food, but hate the image driven culture. Living in San Diego means driving through LA every time we head up the coast. We often leave home at ridiculous hours to avoid the 405 at rush hour.

But, like many cities, LA seems to be undergoing a renewal of sorts. There are artists coming out of the woodwork, small, local restaurants opening, and people generally longing for a slower pace of life.

We started off the weekend with a tour of the Gamble House in Pasadena. Ed's working on his masters in architecture, and the Gamble House is one of those must-see residences in SoCal. I'm not a huge craftsman fan, but I fell in love with the sleeping porches. I know sleeping porches were born out of paranoia, but man are they awesome. I told Ed that I want at least one sleeping porch when we build a house someday, and he agreed. Maybe the best part is they let us picnic on the back lawn when the tour was over!

Then we headed down to Silverlake to check out Claire Vivier's new shop, but unfortunately we got there 30 minutes after they'd closed. I was so disappointed my husband promised me one of these next time we're in LA :)

(image via Claire)

We stayed in Santa Monica at The Ambrose, which is perfectly located a mile or so from the beach (read: craziness). The hotel is LEED certified, and they have all sorts of cool green touches: Aveda bath products, a British cab that runs on biodiesel, and free bike rentals. Not to mention the best continental breakfast I've ever had from local Urth Cafe.

The next day we stopped by Space 15 Twenty, which Sunset magazine describes as "a former lighting studio refurbed into a mini-mall for the creative". The space is amazing and totally worth your while if you're in Hollywood. There's a lot of outdoor space (they host a mini flea market on Sundays) and great shops. We especially enjoyed Hennessey + Ingalls, an art and architecture bookstore.


We lunched at Umami, just because we had to find out all the fuss was about, and we can't say no to a good burger. I had the truffle burger, which was very good, but definitely didn't live up to the hype. I don't know...I guess I'm more of a Jayne's girl.

(image via Alice)

It was a weekend of renewal for us, and a fresh look at LA. We'll be back :)

KL

Graduation

This past weekend was my graduation, and with the creative genius of my wife and the helping hands of family, we pulled off a killer party. From the invites to the streamers to the tiny cupcake flags, Melissa put together the best party I've ever had.

More people than expected RSVP'd, which made our tiny midtown apartment work every square foot it has (or lacks). Fortunately, we are blessed with a great, overgrown backyard where we were able to host our guests.

They brought the beer, and we supplied the bbq tri-tip, and I think everyone had a good time. Thank you Melissa for a great party, and thank you to all the family and friends that took part in helping me finish school these past... ahem... eight years :)

JB