Adventure/Life/Travel

An Afternoon of Photography Love in Los Angeles

Posted on by Jeanine / 0 Comment

IMAG4045I was on Spring Break from my job last week and had plans for dinner up in L.A. with both of my sisters & brother-in-law at a friend’s beautiful new home. If I’m making the hour-and-a- half trek up there by car, and not my usual fun train ride, then I like to take the opportunity to visit some new place instead of just driving through at 70 mph. I’ve had the Annenberg Space for Photography on my “go to” list for awhile and never seem to have time to stop…but this time I did!

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You should go! There are two nice venues, The Annenberg Space for Photography and Skylight Studios, both with interesting exhibits through May 3…and both are FREE ($3.50 for 3 hours of parking on weekdays..I think it’s a dollar on weekends.) The Annenberg was opened in Century City, across from the Century Plaza Hotel on the former site of the Shubert Theatre, in 2013 as a “cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting compelling photography.” The current exhibit on view is called “Sink or Swim, Designing for a Sea Change” and takes you on a journey to some of the world’s coastal communities to explore how these specific populations are adapting to the rising sea levels through ingenious architectural innovations. There are some interesting stories accompanying the photographs detailing some architectural challenges and their ultimate solutions. There’s also a short documentary that shows new design concepts that have come to fruition in the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and more new ideas in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Lastly, there was a really interesting video in their small lecture room of a TedTalk titled “Ingenious Homes in Unexpected Places” by Iwan Baan (those TedTalks can really suck you in!)

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The 5000 square foot Skylight Studios is located across a park from The Annenberg and is used for viewing short documentaries during it’s daytime hours, but it is primarily for the Iris Nights Lecture Series, showcasing the stories behind some amazing images. The current documentary on view is titled “Inside Tracks: Behind the Lens on the Assignment of a Lifetime.” It tells the compelling story of Rick Smolan, a National Geographic photographer, and his assignment to document the gripping 9 month, 1700 mile journey of Robyn Davidson across the Australian Outback. The photography is stunning, but the story is equally captivating. I’d like to see the movie, based on the book.

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Lounge and relax in the beautiful park between the two spaces

I initially thought I’d just stop in for a quick visit to both of these small exhibition spaces, and be on my way. Instead, I took advantage of the beautiful park, with it’s built in benches and vignettes of bistro tables and chairs, and had lunch at one of the really yummy adjacent restaurants. There’s the pricier, nicer, Cuvee Restaurant or a few casual restaurants…I went to Sen Asian. I arrived around 11:30 and didn’t leave until 2. So much fun!

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Cuvee

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lettuce wraps at Sen Asian..I got three meals out of this $6 appetizer!

Both exhibits close May 3, but I’ll be back when I’m on Summer break to see their next exhibit titled “Emerging” which opens June 6th. Maybe I’ll even be able to catch one of the Iris Nights Lectures?

I also went to see the interesting movie, Salt of the Earth, about photographer Sebastião Salgado. It was a photography themed week!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Life

We’re All In the Dance

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments

ballroom dance

 

I’m a huge Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) fan! When I was in high school I wanted to be a choreographer, took dance lessons almost every day and was a teacher’s aide in dance. I also love So You Think You Can Dance, another dance themed show. Anyway, one of the celebrity dancers this season on DWTS is Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player, who “came out” before the NFL draft last year. Can I just say that I think it’s sad and weird that he’s somewhat famous for being a gay football player. I’m sure it took a lot of courage to come out in a highly macho, tough sport, and I hope his “trailblazing” makes it easier for other young gay men and women, but I look forward to the day when someone’s sexual orientation does not dictate whether people judge or label someone. Can’t he just be a good..or bad…football player?

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So last week’s theme for DWTS was “my most memorable year.” All of the stories and dances were moving, some more emotional than others, but the one that Michael Sam did was breathtaking….not because it was technically perfect, but because he told a moving, sad story, through song & dance (skip to 1:38 on the video), about telling his dad that he was gay. His dad turned his back on him. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house. So powerful, I cried (I seem to be doing more of that lately…last week a book, this week Michael Sam dancing!) I literally cannot comprehend the thinking that being gay makes you un-lovable & that you would turn your back on your own child. I don’t care what religion you are… a true, loving God accepts every one for who they are….and I don’t have much tolerance for those that think otherwise. (ugh….that’s a whole other post on religious extremism and intolerance)

I could go on about this subject, especially the whole debacle in Indiana, but I won’t. There are many interpretations of the phrase “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” but I think that it means “people who live in the bubble of perfection and judgement better hope that no-one or no-thing will shatter their perfect world.” Who can live up to that expectation? Who would want to? We are all different, with our own personal challenges along this journey of life….which is what makes the world such an interesting place to be! Everyone has to dance on this earth together, sometimes leading, sometimes following, but hopefully navigating it together with grace, love and decency. We’re all in the dance…love this song!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Home & Food/Life

Babies, Allergies and the Five-Second Rule

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments

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My sister and I were discussing kids and the rise in allergies over the past 20 years. We both pretty much gave our kids everything to eat and didn’t pay much attention to the “rules” of limiting certain things in our children’s diets. I’m sure we were judged by other parents at the time, but it was just easier to give them a variety of foods…whatever was available. ….and that usually included peanut butter. Of course, like everything else, a new study has come out that says that…. “Feeding babies snacks made with peanuts before their first birthday appears to prevent that from happening.” To that we both said, “duh!”

If you think about it, the vaccines we give our children are a form of the actual diseases we are trying to prevent, so it makes sense that feeding kids a variety of foods, including peanut butter, might prevent any allergic reaction they may have later. Of course, there are real allergies, sometimes life threatening, that children are born with or develop as they get older…and even develop as adults…but why not try to expose your kids to all kinds of foods, and germs, early on in hopes that you can boost their immunity and prevent some illnesses later.

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My kids loved playing in the rain and we encouraged it! What’s better than sailing make-shift boats in the “river” floating along the curb? I’d usually had hot-chocolate and warm towels from the dryer waiting for them when they were ready to come in. I work in the attendance office at a high school and it cracks me up every time there’s a rainy day here in SoCal (which, unfortunately isn’t often enough). The amount of parents who call and say their student cannot come to school, or will be late, because it’s raining, and it would be too taxing for them to walk in the rain, is hilarious. When a student walks in late on a rainy day and their excuse is “it’s raining” my response is sometimes sarcastically, “Are you a witch?”…think Wizard of Oz. We all get a good chuckle out of it, including the students.

Dr. Spock was my parenting guru and the five second rule was in full force in my house (not that he condones that.) My kids weren’t any sicker than anyone else’s…and possibly less so. I will say that my son had some issues with asthma (which is just a different reaction to an allergy) between the ages of two and 6…and later on in college….but they were possibly inherited from his grandfather, as many allergies are hereditary.

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So, as with everything, the pendulum will swing back and forth…coffee is bad for you, no coffee is good for you….eggs are the root of all cholesterol problems, until they’re not….low fat, high carb is the way to go, NOT ANYMORE!! It can be frustrating, but just using a little common sense and your gut feeling goes a long way! I’m glad scientists discovered that wine and dark chocolate are good for you…and I’m going to ignore any new studies that dispute it!

Have a FABULOUS weekend…and don’t sweat the small stuff!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Home & Food

Two Artists Create An Amazing Home

Posted on by Jeanine / 4 Comments

IMAG4017Ann makes these whimsical, fun lamps from vintage toys, lunchboxes and tin cans

My brother, Tim, is an art director, as well as an acclaimed illustrator and author of over 18 children’s books (download his new e-book The Last Talking Pig.) His wife, Ann, has been a floral designer for over 30 years…and together they are the most creative duo you’ll ever meet! Every time we go to their home for Easter it’s a new experience…a feast for the eyes. There are always new little vignettes to see, furniture moved around and different color palettes than the last time we were there. This year I decided to take a bunch of pictures to share with all of you! Enjoy!

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Look up as you enter their home and you are greeted to a ceiling fresco that Tim painted (he also painted a fun version of the Sistine Chapel in his bedroom growing up.)

IMAG4008Also in the entry-way is this mirror, framed with a broken china mosaic that Ann did
…not to mention the clever tin can & porcelain doll!

IMAG4005 IMAG4003Look to your left and be inspired by all the little vignettes
(like the one below) in the living room.

IMAG4004Vintage pocket watches in a vintage silver box.

IMAG4009The dining room with built in corner china cabinets

IMAG4010Humpty Dumpty really did have a great fall!
(this is from the dining room table centerpiece arrangement of teacups and vases)

IMAG4012The kitchen sitting area…with many more vignettes (see below) to enjoy!

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The Pez collection with another fun lamp.

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A large book atop a small metal trash can is the perfect little side
table for this vintage phone.

IMAG4024…more kitchen cuteness!

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Gotta love this vintage stove!

IMAG4016The den/library.

IMAG4019Who wouldn’t want to be a guest in this inviting Shabby Chic style bedroom?

IMAG4020…more fun tin can projects coming together.

IMAG4021The charming master bedroom.

IMAG4022…with this vintage dresser, whose top has been transformed
with another of Ann’s mosaic masterpieces.

IMAG4042Love the bead-board and vintage mirror in the bathroom.

IMAG4037They converted the garage into Tim’s studio. The bookcase is hinged on the right and on wheels…roll it out and there’s a little speakeasy in the back that their two boys created.
(Oh, yeah, their two boys are ridiculously creative too!)
That’s a bunch of my brother’s books on the shelves.

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Artwork (mostly Tim’s), vintage furniture, a wooden rocking horse and an electric fireplace create the ambiance in the studio.

Let’s Go Outside!

from mareThe table set for thirty…with an arbor at the end (great photo by Mariellen)

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Ann’s garden and greenhouse.

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Drinks are served…the iron chandelier is suspended on a wire over the table.
(another great photo by Mariellen!)

mare3They built the brick around the antique oven and bbq and hung some old windows from the tree above with chains. The oven works as a storage and serving area.
They built, and painted the puppet theater on the left when the boys were little…and now all the little young cousins get to enjoy it again. (pic by Mariellen)

IMAG4031A vintage tablecloth is the backdrop for the scrumptious dessert table.

Okay…I’m exhausted just looking at all the creative projects they’ve done….and will continue to do. It’s always exciting to anticipate what it’ll look like next time we’re there! I hope some of their ideas have inspired you!

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You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Books and Daily Affirmations/Life

Motivational Mondays…Believe

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments

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I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles….Audrey Hepburn (that’s two quotes from her that I’ve posted!)
Get more at BrainyQuote.com

Believe in yourself….the possibilities are endless!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Adventure/Life/Travel

Prague and Budapest

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments
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Prague Castle all lit up

It’s been about five years since I’ve been to Prague and Budapest (for my 25th wedding anniversary), but I know that things move somewhat slowly there and it looks much the same now as it did back then, so thought I’d share some pics of these beautiful, historical cities. (camera phones are so much better now…these aren’t the greatest, but you get the idea!)…

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Prague is one of the few cities that wasn’t bombed during WWII and it truly feels like they took little pieces of Disneyland and set them down on the banks of the Vltava River. Enjoy this pictorial journey…

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The view from the apartment I rented on VRBO
(I’d highly recommend renting..I’ve done it all over the world.)

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Pivovarsky Klub…they boast “the largest beer menu in the country”
We had nettles beer, which was green and very interesting.

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The Prague Astronomical Clock…The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.
Little figures come out every hour called “The Walk of the Apostles.”

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Prague’s musical history is legendary! Mozart called it home for awhile and
Vivaldi and Beethoven both performed in Prague.

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I wish I had a better picture to capture the magnificence of the Basilica of St. George and the amazing concert we saw there, featuring Pachelbel’s Canon in D and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. The acoustics were amazing and intimate! (Darla you have to go to this if you can!…click here for ticket website)

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Cute little spiral staircase in a park below Prague Castle.

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“The Dancing House” was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic
with some collaboration from Frank Gehry.

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Stopped by a local rowing club to buy a t-shirt…they didn’t have any,
but I got to see these two master’s women rowing…one was in the Olympics back in the day according to the director of the club.

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Just a beautiful, serene scene.CIMG7114

Visiting the The John Lennon Wall was of particular importance to us.
Our daughter had just been in Prague a few months before us with her college Jewish studies class and had written her name and taken a picture of her “graffiti.” We found the exact spot, but it had been painted over. It was just cool to be at the same place
she was just a few months prior to our visit!CIMG7113

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BUDAPEST

We planned our trip to Budapest to visit my then husband’s paternal ancestral homeland. We visited the apartment where his grandma and father lived before coming to America to escape the Nazi invasion. I loved seeing and feeling the history…and having some sense of connection…to this beautiful city.CIMG7199The iconic Chain Bridge…this was the view from our hotel room.

CIMG7215Walk to the hilly Buda side, take a walk through Gellert Hill and then saunter over to Castle hill with beautiful views of the flat Pest side and the Parliament Building.

shoes on the danubeShoes on the Danube…a very moving memorial of bronze shoes honoring the
Jews that were killed here. They were ordered to take off their shoes, and were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away.
It was an astonishing, haunting site.

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The House of Terror museum is located on Adrassy Ut and commemorates the occupation of Hungary by fascist and communist regimes, as well as memorializing it’s victims.

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Take the hour train ride from Budapest to Szentendre and have some wood fired pizza at beocafe…yummy and cute little place!!

CIMG7241Colorful door in Szentendre


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hidden cobble-stoned streets in Szentendre
CIMG7179I loved this sign for an architectural firm in Budapest….so creative!

We took the train from Prague to Budapest, but I’ve heard from friends that the barge cruise down the Danube is pretty spectacular. The history is rich and the architecture just stunning! European vacations never disappoint!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Adventure/Life/Travel

Teamwork

Posted on by Jeanine / 11 Comments

teamwork2A shameless plug and shout out to my awesome teammates as we travel to San Diego’s Mission Bay for the San Diego Crew Classic Regatta… “the largest regatta in the world held for primarily eight-oared rowing shells.” It is an awesome two days of competition for high school junior programs, collegiate teams, masters’ clubs, and even an exhibition this year between the US National and Canadian rowing teams. My team is racing three eights this year…Saturday at 11:48 and 3:24 and, the race I’m coxing, on Sunday at 2:32. My team has worked so hard this year and has taken their fitness and finesse to a whole new level. I think it’s going to be an awesome weekend for all of our boats!! The race starts in the shadow of the Sea World Bayside Skyride , continues past the screaming crowds at the beer tent and jumbotron and ends at the 2000 meter mark of Crown Point Park. It’s an exhilarating weekend of teamwork, adrenaline, sweat, cheering, and celebrating!

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…and my team has intelligence and has put in the hard work!

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Equipment charged, check…oar toe ring, check…pedicure in team colors with oars, check…

We are soooo ready…let’s do this ladies!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!

Adventure/Home & Food

Flea Market Finds

Posted on by Jeanine / 3 Comments

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I’ve always loved going to garage sales, flea markets and second-hand\antique stores. The thrill of the hunt is so much fun and there’s nothing like finding that perfect something for your home, or your kid’s, or your wardrobe! When my kids were little a lot of their clothes and toys came from garage sales….and that’s also where I started my vintage tablecloth collection. We didn’t have an abundance of money at the time and I loved weekend mornings spent scavenging through other people’s cast-offs. When we moved back to California (from Illinois) I continued my weekly hunts in people’s driveways, as well as the added bonus of going to Old Towne in the city of Orange, with their numerous antique stores. At some point we had enough money to purchase new furniture, etc… and I kind of fell out of the habit of going to garage sales….not the mention the fact that most weekends entailed hockey, lacrosse, baseball, dance or some other kid-related activity.

A group of my neighbors, Kelly, Carre & Jan (plus or minus a couple more), go to garage sales every weekend and come home with treasures. I’ve gone with them a couple of times, but haven’t got the bug again…until recently! I’m moving back to my home in the old ‘hood this July and I am in need of lots of furniture. What with the downsizing from 2800 to 400, then up to 1000 and now back down to 200 square feet, I really don’t have much furniture to fill up my larger home. I do have the most important piece…my dining room & kitchen tables…with all the memories they evoke, and a love-seat that was my parent’s and has been in our family since the 60’s, but, except for a few side tables, that’s about it. So, the girls are out a couple of weekends ago and they see a couch for $50…FIFTY DOLLARS!! They take a pic, text it to me and say “what do you think?” I called Jan, she said it’s comfortable, very similar to a couch I used to have in that same home, I could store it in her garage and they’d deliver it. I said, “great, go for it!” I went later that day to visit my new couch and it’s perfect! The seven or so pillows alone that line the back would be more than $50. So, now I have the second-hand furniture bug again! I’ve already acquired 6 dining room chairs from another neighbor, Peggy, an old chest that was in my house originally, as well as a table we used to play mahjongg on that Jan’s been keeping in her garage. I am constantly on Pinterest and Houzz looking for decorating ideas….beachy meets Paris bistro is my theme…and have a bunch of decorating magazines stacked up next to my bed that keep me up late re-imagining my old/new surroundings.

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Okay…terrible pictures, but it’s side-ways in a garage..you get the idea!

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One of the magazines I love is called Flea Market Style (this is a link to a bhg video…couldn’t find any mention of “flea market style” magazine on the web…weird!) and has soooo many fun ideas for recycling/up-cycling things you find at flea markets, garage sales, etc.. They have listings of great flea markets all over the country and I see one that looks really cute called Matilda’s Mouse. It takes place once a month and it’s about an hour & a half drive away. I sign up for their email list and soon find out there’s one coming up! So, on a recent Friday, Jan & I hop in the car and head down to Valley Center. It was such a cool layout…some things outside, some inside an old barn…. and I had so much fun taking pictures of their little vignettes set up everywhere. I’m not sure it was worth a 3 hour round-trip, but it was a fun, different way to spend the afternoon….and I got another tablecloth, a vintage rower tin toy (pic above) and a couple of vintage plates, one with an image of Blarney Castle (Taylor, you can have one too if you like them.) Here are some of those fun pics…

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adorable displays

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creative vignettes

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cute little chicks greeted us at the door

I have rowing practice every Saturday morning, but I’m going to try and join them once a month in April, May, June and July (sorry team!), in hopes of finding more treasures for my home. Until then, I’ll look for their pictures and texts on Saturday morning asking about things they’ve found that would be “PERFECT” for my home. It’s nice having personal shoppers!

You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!