Art for All: 20x200


Wish List Item #45693107

I feel like I've been missing out. 20x200 is a website/project by Jen Bekman. From a gallery in New York representing emerging artists she came up with a bigger vision: (limited editions x low prices) + the internet = art for everyone

How cool is that? I love the concept and am especially thrilled with her selection of works. She is an inspiration.

This piece, ny.08.#14, by Jennifer Sanchez makes me feel like the artist zipped into my heart with a canvas, and came out painting. It would be so fabulous in my home. There are actually some left in the medium (14x11) and large size (22x17) and I don't think $50 and $200 is too much. Although, I wonder how much the original is...hee hee.

SoCal Sunday Dinner


In honor of this fabulous SoCal weather (79 degrees) we're cooking up some fish tacos tonight. I ran across this recipe in Domino last summer, and immediately whipped up a serious batch of the watermelon margaritas. {Outstanding!} Now is the time to try the tacos. The only thing is, my heart lies with a red cabbage slaw from a defunct restaurant of Madison, WI. Tacqueria Gila Monster was the most sophisticated yet simple Mexican food I've ever had. Nothing compares. To my knowledge only three recipes from this restaurant are floating around...the slaw, a tomatillo sauce, and a cactus mushroom soup. Three cheers for my alma mater The Isthmus, for reminiscing this lovely food memory in a 2007 post by Linda Falkenstein. I made this slaw at the boy's Fiesta Birthday a few years ago, then promptly lost the recipe. Found it!

Red Cabbage Slaw

1 head red cabbage
1 pound carrots
1 bunch cilantro
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ancho chili powder

Quarter and core red cabbage. Slice thinly by hand or in food processor. Peel and grate carrots. Chop cilantro. Toss all ingredients. Let stand one hour before serving. Toss again. Serve as a garnish for tacos, as a side dish for sandwiches, or as a picnic salad. Makes 3-4 quarts.

From Jill Watson, Taqueria Gila Monster Restaurant.

We'll see if I have as lovely a photo, and if the children eat ANY of it.

Proud Papa

in

So, at dinner last night, Beck announced that he is going to name his {future} baby, Lulu. Remember, this is the young man who asked Santa for a watermelon. After the announcement he emphatically expressed that I record this information..."Write this down mum-MEE. Write it down." The boys sometimes refer to me as mummy, as opposed to mommy. They also both say: bee-nok-lee-ers instead of binoculers; bak-set instead of basket; am-blee-ens vs. ambulence; and hocks-pi-tal instead of hospital. Back to Lulu. The reason this is such a kick, is that if we had a girl, she was going to be named Lulu. Well, Luella Blue to be exact. And Sophie Parker was baby girl #2. Pretty interesting.

Trim the Fat


Yee Hah! Again, I'm trying to be more thoughtful about my (our) spending. We need to cut back (wallets and waistlines), and I have lots of room to improve in this area. Especially, I find it very easy to justify extras at the grocery store. Okay, yes, I'm a foodie. And I can be a real food snob. And I'm really conscious of organic, trans fats, HO's, bleached flour, refined sugar, whole grains, etc. etc. etc. But since it's FOOD, it's okay. I was taught, if you are going to eat it, then fine, buy it. No crap. And don't waste it. I seem to put food (all kinds) into a "needs" category rather than a "wants" category. Especially briney garlicky olives, creamy goat cheese, dark chocolate... Very creative, huh? I came across this tidbit, and it seems like a nice place to start...

Supermarket impulse buys: Put any items that are not on your shopping list in the shopping cart's child seat. Before checkout, choose just one item from the child seat. If you find a great bargain, take something off your list to accommodate the good deal.

Are you cutting back? How?

A Good Exercise

Here I am, putting it out there. It is said that you are more likely to stick to your goals if you share them with friends and family. Really. Do I have to?

Yes. In 2009...

  • I will spend more time outdoors. In my backyard, on a trail, up the mountain, at the beach.
  • I will exercise 4 times/week. Including spinning, which I love.
  • I will be flexible in my definition of exercise. It is a walk with a pal. It is yoga.
  • I will be more realistic with myself and my expectations of others.
  • I will eat really excellent food. In moderation.
  • I will plan {more} meals with enthusiasm and creativity.
  • I will listen more. Judge less.
  • I will make time for my business each week.
  • I will paint and write and read {books. not magazines}.
  • I will create and stick to a budget.
  • I will get my oil changed regularly.
  • I will reduce my carbon footprint.
  • I will show my love in new ways.

Looky Loo

in

This is our main bath, the loo, on 80's track home fever. On New Year's Day I finally had it with the cheap towel rack, old woodwork, and dirty off white paint job. I went to the garage and discovered some amazing unopened Behr exterior semi-gloss in Bitter Chocolate. Excellent choice! Why do I have this? Hmmm. The other color I had waiting in the wings was a beautiful bubble yum pink, originally intended for my office. Ummm. No. Best wait on this one. So I trucked on over to Home Depot and found Creek Bend. Nice....the bathroom is looking so ritzy now! To complete the look I must incorporate an element of whimsy and grapic fun. I found this fabulous Marimekko shower curtain at Crate & Barrel, towels at Target (in "sunshine"), and I'm still debating on the towel hooks--while I appreciate the homage to the Amish, the birds might be nice if I spray painted them dark brown...

in


I came across a new documentary, Who Does She Think She Is?, a film by Pamela Tanner Boll about the tension between motherhood and creativity, about women who do not choose between working and mothering. Through the lives of five women artists she explores a host of dichotomies--traditional and modern. It's still in a screening phase, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a San Diego debut. The work pictured above is by one of the artists featured.

The March of the Headless Plush Toys

in

Your life story would not make a good book. Don't even try.
-Fran Lebowitz

2008: It was a very good year...

boys
I'm so utterly in love with ages 4 and 5. Always have been, always will. Max & Beck are completely in their own heads most of the time and it thrills me. Creative, sensitive, bossy, witty, imaginative, adventurous, passionate. SO completely full of life. Unfiltered. On the other hand they can get super distracted and frustrated which ultimately ends in one (or all) of us growling, screaming or swearing.

work
I held out for advancement in my Museum career and worked to earn a promotion to a position that is both rewarding and challenging (especially in this economy). To boot, I am now surrounded by some fabulous women with great energy and humor.

art
I kept up with Truly Fine Design after a late 2007 launch. LOTS of room to grow. I had other ideas so I took up painting as well..

passion
I'm married to a Scorpio. We're still having fun...I think.

politics
Obama. Sarah Palin. Tina Fey. Last, and so not least...Jon Stewart. Heart, heart, heart.

friends
I do have some terrific peeps. They may not all hang together, or even be in the same state, but I love them each truly, madly, deeply.

Is this even interesting? I'd love to know what my mom was going through at 36. She was divorced with a 14 and 9 yr. old I believe.

This year I could not get my game on for regular workouts. Fuck. Why is that so hard? Doing the usual job-wife-mom-juggle...not a great strength of mine, but I do put up a good front. When I think of all the things I should be doing, like oil changes, eye appointments, oops, bill paying, video returning, oops, running, writing xmas cards, oops, having a really lovely family photo taken, oops and oops. This is how I feel:

"A week after my drugs ran out, I left my bed to perform at the college, deciding at the last minute to skip both the doughnut toss and the march of the headless plush toys. Instead, I just heated up a skillet of plastic soldiers, poured a milkshake over my head and called it a night. "
-David Sedaris

ReForm School

in

In my quest for a red Keep Calm and Carry On original screen print I found the most excellent website, ReForm School. I heart their aesthetic and found these very original cards made by Polite Cards with Bob and Roberta Smith. ReForm School has the most fabulous "categories" such as Home Ec, Child Development, Locker Room, and my favorite-- Student of the Month which features an artist. LOVE the opportunities here for original, affordable art. Quirky, fresh, and lovely. Very Wes Anderson. They have a brick and mortar shop in LA, and I'll be sure to visit the next time I head north.

Go Royals.

in

Can I just take a moment to explore the current trend of revisiting high school and grade school friends and pictures on FaceBook? Friends and frequaintances are spending serious time scanning in old high school photos of their pals back in the day. This trip down memory lane makes a number of stops at big bangs and puffy sleeves. Everyone seems to be lovingly nostalgic and reconnecting with others at breakneck speed (yes, I'm observing with a careful eye). Truthfully, I'm not that nostalgic for the 80's. Or the 70's for that matter. I've maintained contact with my BFF and when curious, have shared an email with a few key peeps. I'm thrilled to have survived The Breakfast Club, the cliques, the "Senior Steps", homecoming hazing and spring break frenzy.

My life as a grown up has been far more rewarding than the awkward days of HHS. A message to my boys: Kids can be cruel. And being a teenager is hard--downright painful at times--but you will make it through the drama. On the other hand, if you are the class president or the royal hottie or the soccer star, Hurrah! Enjoy it at the time, but be kind to the dorks and please don't get too big a head over yourself.

Merry Inspiration

in

I'm pleased to share a coffee table book I received for Christmas...30,000 years of art...which is quite beautiful. I find myself drawn to the usual suspects like Rothko, Klee, Matisse, as well as ancient, primitive works. So modern! It's especially nice to see one of my favorite works from SDMA, by Juan Sanchez Cotan, it's called Still-life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber. I'm particularly drawn to a good still life and THIS is perfection.

Santa Baby

Dear Santa, Beck admits that he is probably on both the Bad List and the Good List this year. Max is "only on the good list." That said, they would still like to submit their Wish List for your thoughtful consideration.

For Beck:
An Angel
A Candy Cane
Pajamas
Some Presents
Superman Costume
A Watermelon
Batman Mask

For Max:
Robot
A Candy Cane
Jammies
Teddy Bear
Wind-up Christmas House
Remote Control Airplane
Small Drum
Ratatouille Book

Saint Nick, we know you are awfully busy this time of year, and that certainly, times are tough. Any presents you give to us will make us happy and be a great surprise.

Love,

Beck & Max

P.S. Don't forget, we are staying at our own house this Christmas Eve! We will leave you cookies and milk and for the Reindeer--carrots.

P.P.S.
Max: "If I was Santa I would give people whatever is on their wish list."
Beck: "I I was Santa I would give you a remote control Christmas tree."

I Heart Brussel Sprouts

Indeed, I love brussel sprouts. I just found this recipe and I can't wait to score some pancetta to get my brussels on. This is perfect winter food, and I'm glad the boys refuse to eat them because then there is more for me and hubby. Damn the grams in this recipe. I need a translation.

From the Blog: Sweet Paul

500 g brussels sprouts, cleaned and cut in half
200 g pancetta, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
50 g almonds
salt
pepper

Heat the oven to 200C, 380F.
Place brussels sprouts, pancetta, oil and almonds in an oven proof baking dish.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are al dente and the pancetta is golden.
You need to stir every 5 minutes so that the fat from the pancetta covers the sprouts.
Take it out, taste with salt and pepper.
Serve warm.

Happiness is...

in ,

Happiness is...Coffee, Best Friends, Responsible Ecological Choices, and Great Design

I had the pleasure of spending great BFF time with KT in Minneapolis last weekend. While my original gift idea was to locate a quality version of the old "Best Friends" necklace, with the charm split in two, we found something better. In our shopping excursions we located a sophisticated, yet utilitarian item already on my holiday wish/give list:

I Am Not A Paper Cup James Burgess, 2007 An eco-friendly alternative to disposable cups, this double-walled porcelain version with a pliable silicone lid keeps beverages hot and doesn't burn your hand. Found in a variety of locations--momastore.org, thinkgeek.com--we found these at Paper Source in Uptown Minneapolis. I heart mine.

North Park Craft Mafia-Holiday Hit List

in ,

While I was busy being cold in Minneapolis, Truly Fine Design made a guest appearance as swag in the goody bags for the North Park Craft Mafia Holiday Hit List event in Point Loma. This group of gals really rock the glue stick and I encourage you to check them out. I hope to join in the Valentine festivities in 2009, and maybe even get some prezzies finished up on the 16th.

Crafty Conspiracy Craft Night @ Filter - Dec. 16th!

Do you like to craft? Come craft with us on Tuesday, December 16th at Filter Coffee House in North Park! Get those last minute holiday gifts completed, or join in the group project. We'll be making some fun ornaments for the tree! Be there!

Tuesday, Dec. 16th
7 - 9 p.m.
Filter Coffee House
4096 30th St., San Diego - 92104