Greetings from La Jolla!

Happy Friday!Here are some images of the world famous La Jolla Cove. Since it's the long weekend, we often want to go on a road trip somewhere.We often take for granted that San Diego is located in such a stunning setting and is actually a very popular tourist destination. In the mood for surfing or checkin' out the zoo, why not enjoy the beauty of this place this weekend?Hope you have a restful Memorial Day weekend!

Local Artist: Art Work by Dani Dodge

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Happy Monday!I know there's been so many new arrivals with more holiday gift ideas to come, but I thought I'd take a lil' break to share the amazing work by a local San Diego artist, Dani Dodge. I viewed her work at the San Diego Contemporary Art Fair back in September. I instantly fell in love with the images for the subjects, textures and colors-with a color palette that's perfect for fall. With a background in journalism, she uses different media with other elements such as wood and metal to create themes that emphasize the human experience.

From her profile:
"Dani works primarily by layering different media – acrylic paint, spray paint, ink and collage – to create raw, abstracted images that tell tales of loneliness, joy, pain and triumph – in short, of being human."

San Diego Pop-up Shop

Here are some images from our pop-up shop at the Vixen Pop-up Boutique and Fashion show last Thursday. It was great to hang out and showcase some of our product specials: homewares from Vitrified Studio ceramics, Rina Ono, Studio Patro tea towels along with bags from Ellen Truijen, Nancybird, Erin Templeton and Manufacture des Rigoles. We also presented some of our beautiful jewelry including new arrivals from Victoria Bekerman with her lovely bracelets now available in our shop. Thank you to those in San Diego who came out and supported us!

Lily Pads and a Fish

 Happy Friday!Just wanted to share this close up image of the lovely koi pond at Balboa Park. If you're in San Diego this summer, try to check out the Shakespeare Festival, a tradition at the Old Globe Theatre in the park.  Have a restful weekend!

Mangia!Mangia!

"Mangia!" One of my favorite Italian words next to "allora". Hmmm...yes a local trattoria...I was listening to the Italian conversation between the waiter and customer,  some Italian music in the background, smelling the garlic in front of me, enjoying the decor-terracotta tiles ,checkered table cloths, window table with a view...aaahh. While I wish I could say I was in my favorite trattoria in Montelpuciano, my visual processing brought me back to reality by the vision of tight wet suits, blue vests and yellow helmets as kayakers passed us by.

We are always on a hunt for authentic Italian food. Osteria Romantica is actually one of our fave Italian joints in San Diego located at La Jolla shores and the other one, Piatti is right across the street.  After having their simply prepared artichoke hearts with garlic and linguine al pesto, it's nice to see that they're back to basics in how they prepare our meal.  I love that they serve food from other regions of Italy like Toscana, yes each region has their very own specialty. I actually found the Tuscan dessert wine that my Italian teacher use to drink in Firenze called Vin Santo. It comes with a biscotti made for dipping in this vino.

And of course, this place has the quaint and charming ambiance,no not just for the cute Italian waiters, but for the casual rustic vintage decor from reused pots/pans (a great inspiration for the new copper trend) to hanging utensils.

Rain or Shine: Beautiful San Diego

Sunset Cliffs

Balboa Park

Happy Friday! Even though I'm a wanderlust (dreaming of Italia right now) and an Angeleno at heart, it is only fitting to share some images of my adopted city, San Diego, dubbed "the birthplace of California". The weather this spring has been up and down lately (yes we do have a weather system here). Going from summer time beach weather to gloomy and rainy the next week.

After traveling to different places abroad, one does appreciate home more.  But once at home, sometimes I tend to take the beauty of this place for granted. It is a tourist destination after all! Whether you flop down to watch the amazing sunset or stroll around Balboa Park, these places are not to be missed when visiting this town.

So in celebration of Earth Day this weekend, let's enjoy nature's great design and beauty.