Thrifting.

Posted in Design, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Everyone loves a good thrift every now and again. I tend to like them every week, if I could…1.) have abundant cash reserved specifically for thrifting, 2.) have a giant house to house all my treasures, 3.) have a giant house to house all my treasures. Don’t get me wrong, just because I live in a small house now, doesn’t mean I pass on beautiful items. It means my treasures find a perfect, dusty, dark home in the shed in my backyard. Ha, like not having room would prevent me from obtaining amazing pieces! . . . It just prevents me from buying all. of. it.

A thrifting outing promises nothing. As the best purchase at the Swap Meet one day, may be the cheddar/jalapeno tamales. You can never be so sure as to how little will make it home, or how many armloads it’s possible to walk away with. But one thing is for sure…No matter the outcome, laughter, awe, and shock will ensue. Here is a friend-thrifting-adventure gone bad (no amazing finds)/amazingly good.

For those of you living in a medieval castle…

Any Texas-ans in California? Oh wait, my friend Jess…

A conductor and a gardener, all in a days work…My friend Ryan is not part of the thrift store, and is not for sale, folks.

And then we found the greatest find of all the finds…Foxy Loxy.
I just…I can’t…I just can’t believe someone dumped her at the thrift store…

Oh, but here’s two somethings I found that day in which all was right.

I’d be curious to know of some funny finds you’ve had while thrifting, swap-meeting, or garage sale-ing?!

Cheers! -L

23Aug2013

Free People Friday

Posted in The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Happy Friday! I hope you all have something fun planned for the weekend. I am headed to LA today for a girls weekend and am quite excited. For this weekend, I have a challenge for you…Get outside and plant some flowers! Reason being, they make everyone happy. And that’s the truth.

There’s a bird feeder behind our garden beds and one time, the frisky birds must have dropped a little sunflower seed into the garden bed…Well, something started growing in our garden and knowing it wasn’t a weed, I let it be. It grew and grew and became a wonderful, tall but petite sunflower. Our little wildflower. So, I thought, I have a package of wildflowers from Free People, and I am going to reserve a place in the garden bed for them. I love the idea of packaged flower seeds and not knowing what type of flowers they are until they grow! It’ll be fun to see what pops out of the ground! So, if you are around your home this weekend, make some time and do yourself this kind favor of planting some flowers for your enjoyment.

Cheers! -L

22Aug2013

Garden Fresh Salsa

Posted in Recipes, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

This summer, once my tomatoes started flowering, they took off. I couldn’t keep up with their ripeness, and kept making the typical meals in which they encompassed. Yearning a change from a salad ingredient or bruschetta, I decided to spice up an ordinary salsa recipe. Here’s how to make Garden Fresh Salsa…

Adding black beans to a salsa changes the consistency and taste. After reorganizing my kitchen, I found raw black beans I bought a while back. Never having made black beans from scratch, I thought doing so, and adding them to the salsa would be a great learning experiment.

To make black beans soak a cup of dry black beans overnight. Put them in enough water (3-4 cups) so when they begin to expand they will still be covered. In the morning, drain and rinse the black beans then submerge them in salted water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 30-50 minutes or until tender. I added cumin, paprika and more salt to taste. When they are done, again drain and rinse and let cool until you are ready to add them to the salsa. Oh, the salsa you ask?!

What you need:

~ 2 1/2 – 3 cups diced tomatoes (locally grown) ~2 serranos ~3 garlic cloves ~

~ 1 small yellow or white onion ~ cilantro ~ 2 limes ~ salt/pepper ~ small corn tortillas ~

Dice the tomatoes, serranos and cilantro and add them to a mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and set aside. These flavors will meld together and the juices will start to extract while you move onto the other steps.

Mince the garlic and onion next. I’m not particularly fond of raw garlic and onion so I like to soften up those flavors. After you’ve minced them, put them together in a bowl, cover with olive oil and salt. Then, put them in the microwave for about 10-20 seconds (until you start to smell the garlic). Take out the mixture, give it a stir and set aside to cool.

Once your beans are cooled, add them to the tomato mixture and then the garlic/onion mixture when it has cooled. Give the salsa a good stir and taste. Add salt, pepper and more lime juice as needed…everyone is different when it comes to this!

To finish off the salsa, add another homemade touch with freshly fried corn tortillas. Cut the small rounded corn tortillas into fourths. Get a pan (cast iron works great), fill it halfway with oil, and turn the stove on high. Test one quarter first to make sure the oil is hot enough. (when you put the tortilla in, the oil should start bubbling and boiling all around it). Once it’s hot enough, throw about 6-7 in at a time, consistently flipping them over. When done, lay them on a plate covered by a papertowel to let cool.

The salsa and chips make a great summer gift for friends, or are perfect for a backyard BBQ.

Cheers! -L

13Aug2013

Chevron Card

Posted in D.I.Y, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Chevron pattern is all the rage right now. It’s on rugs, pillows, purses, dresses, painted on walls, and much more. While contemplating a “Thank You” card design, I decided to make a chevron themed thank you card. After looking in my suitcases, I had all the necessary supplies to create a beautiful, sparkly, classy card.

~What You’ll Need~

~ Ribbon of any color or design ~ Scissors ~ Hot glue gun ~ A blank card ~ Glue Pen ~ Glitter

After you have all your supplies together, measure an equal distance from the top and bottom of the card towards the middle, so your chevron lines are equal. I measured an inch and a half. Mark your lines, and place your ribbon on the mark, then mark lines on the ribbon, so you know where to cut.

Cut your first ribbon section. To follow an even, easy to put together pattern, flip over the first section (using it as a stencil), lay it over the front of the ribbon and cut. After you’ve cut enough pieces to reach the end of the card, lay them out making sure they fit together.

Grab your glue pen, and write the theme of the card, in my case, it was Thank You. Pour over the glitter, and wait 3-5 minutes before removing the glitter. Shake it off, and gently rub the remainder glitter off the card.

In the end, you’ll have a great card that was worth the effort to make. Whoever is receiving it, will love the thought and time it took!

Cheers! -L

12Aug2013

Beer Mirrors

Posted in D.I.Y, Design, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Recently, our kitchen went through a much-needed, massive facelift. It felt so good to redo, repaint, and visually enlarge the space. Part of the challenge was to find mutually likable decor with an androgynous feel. At the swap meet I found old mirrors inlaid with beer and alcohol brands and designs. These were fitting for a kitchen, where food and drinks are prepared, so I purchased three at a hot price of $5 total and was on my way. I didn’t like the old wood frame look, however, so started manipulating them right away upon arriving home.

Changing up something as simple as a frame color, is very easy, and all you’ll need is three things.

– Blue Painters Tape

– A spray paint in whatever color you desire

– A drop cloth or surface in which you can spray paint

Spray a couple of coats, holding the spray can about 7-9 inches away to prevent drips and an uneven appearance. Take the tape off about 3-5 minutes after your last coat, so the paint doesn’t fully dry and peel off when you remove the tape.

Cheers! -L

6Aug2013

Wine Tasting

Posted in The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Our friends from San Diego were visiting town this weekend and upon their request, we went wine tasting in Paso Robles. I often forget how beautiful the Central Coast really is. Driving through rolling hills, the beaches, big oaks and colorful eucalyptus, and acres of vineyards are all part of daily life here. However, living so close to such beautiful wine country, I tend to take it for granted. So, it’s really wonderful when I am able to take a day, wine taste with friends and discover more of the beauty that lies in our own backyard.

~Herman Story~

Our friends Russell Froom and Valia have amazing wine at Herman Story; along with perfect hospitality and wonderful stories that always make you laugh. Their label is entirely personal. From Russell’s grandfather inspiring the Herman Story name, to each wine being named after a personal circumstance. They take all the photographs for their labels, making each wine and its bottle unique from the next.

~Halter Ranch~

Halter Ranch was a new discovery to me. It was an unbelievable dream of a property. It’s has a complete state-of-the-art wine facility, 1,000 acre ranch property, dating back to 1880, in which the biggest live oak in the US resides, complete sustainability, and, AND, underground wine tunnels. Please visit if you are ever in Paso. I cannot wait to go back.

Cheers! -L

5Aug2013

Hiatus

Posted in Design, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Why, oh why, is blogging constantly such a challenge for me? I have a myriad of reasons; it’s summer and I just want to run away to the beach and frolic all day, I’ve been injured (sustaining ACL surgery two months ago), etc., etc., but what it really comes down to is that cringing, awful, embarrassing word, laziness. There, I said it. Out in the open, loud and clear, lazy. BUT, no more I tell you. No More.

I have an affinity with blogging, yet I have only slightly scraped the surface of the realm. Can you imagine what’s lying underneath that scratch that I have yet to uncover?! I can tell you that I am excited to discover it. And I vow right now to myself, and to you, whoever you may be that’s following this ghostly blog, that I will indefinitely double my number of posts (and then some) by 2014. I know, what a strict timeline, psh, but let’s face it y’all, I need it. Small feats.

So with that, I bid ado, but not for long, as I should be back very, very shortly!

Here are some hummingbird pictures from Silver Lake, CA in the meantime…

“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes of love, joy and celebration. The hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life’s sweetest connection.” -Papyrus

Cheers – L

1Apr2013

April Fools

Posted in The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Some of the best April Fools happened when I was younger. Sometimes I went overboard like the time I called one of my parents panically claiming that our cat had gone missing only to exclaim, “Aprils Fools,” just before real destruction began. Other times my brother and I were quite clever in our little games…

The best was tying a rubber band around the sprayer on the sink, so when our Mom turned on the water, it would spray her. Letting our father into the gig, we told him not to use the sink until Mom got sprayed. However, somehow, while preparing dinner, Mom was not using the sink, for what seemed like 15 minutes! It was unreal. We just kept waiting and waiting, and giggling and waiting. And then, the best outcome of all occurred. Dad, who was in on the plot, went to the kitchen, turned on the sink and pow! He got sprayed so good! We couldn’t stop laughing, especially knowing that he knew all along. A quick slip of the brain, and April Fools to him!

I haven’t yet thought of any pranks or jokes to play this year. Maybe throughout the day, something will occur. But I always do love reflecting on this fun, light-hearted, joke day that we have created. That and knowing that it truly is Spring Time! Have a beautiful day!

Cheers! -L

25Mar2013

Shut Up and Drive

Posted in Design, The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

Weekends are an ideal time for folks to get things done and catch up. However, sometimes the best weekends are when you relax, take time for yourself, and indulge. On Sunday this weekend, we decided to relax, take time to think and enjoy the Central Coast. This is us, shutting up and driving.

We packed a lunch, a blanket, the camera and drove through Santa Margarita Valley while listening to old CDs. The wind blowing through every window.

The weather was perfect. The cows were in plenty and the silence just right.

Sometimes what we all need is some peace, quiet and the open road. Someday soon, get out there and go! Cheers – L

20Mar2013

New Orleans

Posted in The Girl, The Curls by studio grey seattle

New Orleans is one of the best trips I have had in a long time. Traveling there with my brother, my boyfriend and his brother, and our good friend was exciting, comfortable, hilarious, and real. We made the most of each day and night, fitting in at least five restaurants and bars, along with two music shows. A swamp tour fit its way in a day and we even travelled outside of the city to Pho Tau Bay which was featured on The Layover. Unfortunately, I brought my camera only to the Cemetery, so the rest of the photos are from the handy 4s. Regardless, enjoy a (food) tour through N’awlins!

The Lafayette Cemeteries are beautifully historical, serene and powerful.

Cafe Du Monde, of course. Jackson Square. Pho Tau Bay. Unbelievably amazing Pho and vietnamese cuisine in New Orleans. I am still craving it.
Bourbon tasting at the Bourbon House Acme Oyster House chowdown Bywater stroll Frenchman Art Market Sweet Tea! Cool tap fountain at the Bulldog in the Garden District
Beautiful food at Cochon We saw two great shows here How high would you build your house?! Tim’s 30th on the swamp Wonderful friends and family This guy. He turned 30 this day. Napoleon House Birthday Dinner at Jacques-Imos Jacques-Imos Big Shots at Preservation Hall that night. Beautiful venue with outstanding jazz.
Tree of Life New Orleans, Louisiana will hold a special place in my heart. Big and wonderful thanks to our lovely friends and family that made it so memorable. But mostly my love goes out to the people of the city who were so amazingly welcoming, kind, helpful, fun, and some of the best spirits and hearts I’ve experienced in an unknown city. Love you N’awlins! We will see you again.