Mean Reds

Candice and I had a post all mapped out and ready to go but then Monday morning happened. I woke up, went to work and boom! It wasn't a case of "Oh, it's beautiful out and it's Monday and I have to go to work." It was what was best described by Holly Golightly as the Mean Reds. I called my husband and my mom but no amount of "I love yous" was going to help this girl. Rather than sit crying at work, which I actually started to do, I turned to some photos Iain and I took over the weekend.

Boosted slightly by the images, I ran over to the nearest bookstore in search of more visual stimulation. I mindlessly roamed, looking for a book or magazine to call out to me. The ones below seemed to do it and I started to feel inspired and a teeny, tiny bit cheered up.

The colors in the Nov/Dec 2011 Vogue Living Australia did me in.

I also discovered Trunk and it might just be one of my new favorite magazines.

Oh, and speaking of Miss Golightly, did you hear that her townhouse is for sale? Not nearly as charming without the bathtub sofa... in my opinion.

Update: Last night I was reading through some blogs and came upon this post... It really was a Mean Red Monday, wasn't it? Thanks, Simple Lovely, for the reminder to appreciate and be grateful.

Arte e Cultura: Craft Revolution

We had the pleasure of visiting one of our favorite museums, Mingei International Museum to see their current exhibition, San Diego's Craft Revolution: From Post-War Modern to California Design. The exhibit centers around 60 artists whose work spans from the 1940s thru the 1970s. Many of the artists worked closely with each other and vibed off each other's talents. Some of our favorite pieces are below.

Carol Lebeck

Jane Chapman, Arline M. Fisch, Jaye Lawrence

Ellamarie

Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley

Phyllis Wallen

Russell Baldwin

Kay Whitcomb

June Schwarcz

Malcolm McClain

Phyllis Wallen

Margaret Price, Ilse Ruocco, Pearl Abramis

James Hubbell

Handmade Christmas cards sent from artist to artist 

Moda: Showstopper

Can someone please invite us somewhere fancy so we have an excuse to buy this?

Web Trésors: Feng Shui Remedies

Okay, so the year of the dragon has literally started with a roar. If it is any indication of the future, we are going to need a little help. Fortunately we found a couple of cures that won't break the bank or drastically alter our homes.

Ba Gua Shi Master Cure

This powerful master cure can only be used in Ren Chen which is the yang Water Dragon Year.
We loved how simple and clean the design is and the use of crystals.

It is important to remember that your specific animal will have it's own set of afflictions.

Some sites offer remedies that correspond to your animal sign. You can go here to find what works for you.

Candice's Remedies for Goats:

• Pi Yao is the ninth son of the Heavenly Dragon whose task it is to provide the blessings of good finance and wealth. A Pi Yao talisman offers its owner a minimum of eight blessings found here, last of which is to appease the Grand Duke Jupiter, Tai Sui, who you may find yourself indirectly conflicted with this year. You can carry a Pi Yao amulet, place one in your home, or wear him so he is with you at all times.

• Goats are advised to display a red crystal ball to absorb the bad vibes of the Conflict Star. The Fire energy serves a dual purpose as a cure and an enhancer. It will keep the quarrelsome chi in check and also enhance the Earth element of the South West and replenish the missing element in this year's Paht Chee.

Mary's Remedies for Monkeys:

• The Monkey has wealth luck in 2012 due to Earth energy because we sit on the most auspicious Earth Seal Star built by the 24 mountains. Any earth element crystal enhancers will activate this energy if placed in the South West. Aventurine is a powerful prosperity stone and has many other comforting and calming properties as well. It also happens to be associated with the heart chakra, which, if you recall from my last aura reading, is the chakra that I am predominately vibrating at.

• Each sign has zodiac allies and a secret friend that are especially helpful in tricky times. Our zodiac allies are the Rat (Iain) and the Dragon (Paul, Nonna, Lita!) and our secret friend is the Snake (?). Allies are those that you connect with and enjoy their energy whereas a secret friend is someone who will help you in life without you even realizing. Each sign has three animal buddies known as the San He, or three harmonies. It is recommended to carry this amulet with you wherever you go so that your friends will always be looking after you!

Welcome Year of the Dragon!

We are so excited to welcome in the Year of the Dragon! The Chinese Lunar New Year is almost more exciting to us as it starts a new astrological year. The dragon is the only mythical creature in Chinese astrology. It is also the most auspicious and powerful of the zodiac signs. This particular dragon year is a water year which only happens every 60 years. We are lucky (on a good day) to have dragon people in our lives as they are considered free spirited and extremely generous.

Some gorgeous photos below of the New Years celebrations which kicked off yesterday and will run through February 6...

Sabroso: Busy Bee

So in an effort to be a little healthier this year.... hands down one of the best juices out there.

If you are in the area, you can get one at Swami's Cafe.

Orange juice, bananas, papaya and bee pollen, hence it's name. Salud!