John Paul & Co. Home Goods
March 14, 2014 § Leave a comment
photo credit: john paul & co.
During my usual hunting and gathering online today, I stumbled across some very chic interior design goods at John Paul & Co.
Just take a look at their amazing and very bold pattern-work.
They even carry FENDI.
Making Energy Efficiency a Priority
March 14, 2014 § Leave a comment
photo credit: syahdiar
Energy efficiency actually benefits you most. You save money on bills and become less of a burden on the environment and the rest of us suffering from the consequences of severe weather patterns. Here’s how to make it possible and beautiful.
White Perrin House, above, offers energy efficient features. Wide windows, ensure a large amount of natural light and wall-to-wall timber increases insulation.
Let’s look at more energy efficient inspiration from this Butterfly Beach home in Montecito, California which has solar panels built into its roof.
photo credit: chictip
It was built with huge picture windows that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, but also lets natural light warm the home and cool it off.
photo credit: chic tip
Recessed and dimmable LED lighting is not only a super-cheap-money-saving solution—it looks good too.
photo credit: chipctip
And hey, how about this homeowners—invest in drought resistant gardens. Quit wasting our natural resources on useless shrubs. What’s the use? These cacti are equally as flattering and they’re cost effective too.
photo credit: annies annuals
Still not sure where to begin? Here’s a cheat sheet of Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency. And if you still need help implementing energy efficiency for your space, consult a designer.
Beats Music: The Latest In Music Pairing Technology
January 20, 2014 § Leave a comment
photo credit: sarmaaye.com
Beats by Dre has been working on a new music service that launches tomorrow (Tuesday, January 21) and it stands to rival the services of Spotify and paid music pairing by Pandora.
I love everything out of the veteran rap star’s headphone empire, so I can’t wait to see what his team has done in terms of advancing music algorithms.
Beats Music Technology
According to Wired, “Your age is especially important to Beats Music. Tell it when you were born, and it figures out when you were in high school. The music of your youth — the stuff that was popular when you first got a Walkman or an iPod, the band that made it big when you got your driver’s license, the record that was all over MTV just before your freshman year of college — is the music with the strongest memories for you. It’s a fixed point in time that’s the most culturally and musically relevant to you. And it’s being crunched by the company’s algorithm.”
If that’s the case, I can’t wait to test out its 80’s pop mix.
“Things are coming together magnificently. #BeatsMusic is blowing my mind right now. Its personalized recommendations are perfect,” says Arjan Writes the Head of Pop/Dance Programming at Beats Music.
Give me some Exposé and Taylor Dane, OKAY? In the meantime, do follow all that is relevant to the Beats crew on Twitter.
Have a happy Monday, my babies!
An Examination of Martin Scorsese’s Costumes
December 19, 2013 § 3 Comments
Like many directors, Scorsese keeps an interesting style continuity throughout his films.
GANGSTER THREADS IN GOODFELLAS
In Goodfellas he used costumer Richard Bruno, known for his wardrobe work in Chinatown, Raging Bull and The Untouchables.
This film follows the rise and fall of the Lucchese crime family over a period from 1955 to 1980. Bruno’s stand out pieces, in my humble opinion, were in the following scene.
Henry and Karen’s early years: A 70’s ensemble of a leather jacket, polyester slacks and a classic button down seemed fitting for setting things straight with a neighbor.
PHOTO CREDIT: WARNER BROS.
Karen didn’t seem to mind, dressed in innocent and girlish pink pleated pants with a matching wool cardie.
“I gotta admit the truth, it turned me on.”
PHOTO CREDIT: WARNER BROS.
WALL STREET CON ARTISTRY
Being hailed as a close second best film of Scorsese’s according to one film critic, makes me yearn and ache to see this film so much more. It hits theaters on CHRISTMAS. But for now, let’s look at the garments provided by fashion house Armani.
Fuchsia mary janes, to die for.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
Margot Robbie in a striped transparent black gown is sexy and it absolutely frames this new artists face. Isn’t she gorgeous? Can’t wait to see what this newcomer siren-on-the-screen has in store next.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
Leo yachts in a classic casual Friday white polo and khaki number here. Cheers.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
I leave you with this trailer. Enjoy.
Angeleno Magazine’s Fashion Night in Hollywood
March 17, 2011 § Leave a comment
Fashion Night at SupperClub
Wed., March 16 I took part in Angeleno Magazine’s Back Stage Beauty Event, just to check out LA’s fashion week festivities.
There was a showcase of designers including Tony Cohen, Ghita, Adolfo Sanchez, J.C. Rags and D.E.P.T. and it was a packed event as you can see from the photo.
There were appearances by Ray J, his entourage, acrobats and opera singers.
It was a lot of fun and interesting to see LA fashion and Hollywood fuse that night.
Frownies Eye Gels Review
January 8, 2011 § Leave a comment
I had the pleasure of coordinating the launch of BE Beverly Hills’ Eco Luxury Hair Care line at the SLS Hotel. The event was a hit. Catering was spot on, decor was perfect and it was packed. Gift bags were stuffed with their argan oil serum and some extras. One of the extras was a set of Frownies Eye Gels.
I’ve really been jonsing to try these. They’re meant to “postpone the signs of aging, fine lines, discolored skin, and puffiness around the eyes.” So this was a treat.
Weeks later, what was not a treat was a rough night filled with stress, tears and decision making which caused me to wake up with puffy eyes. I thought; HEY perfect opportunity to try these Frownies. I applied the gels under my eyes for about 30 minutes and they did minimize the puffiness – slightly.
They’re meant to be applied repeatedly, so I recommend using them on a daily basis. They’re packed with all natural ingredients like vitamins C, E, B3, cactus collagen and aloe vera – perfect for under eye or forehead treatments. I suggest placing them on your eyelids for 30 minutes at least once a week. This treatment will not only help your eyes look and feel rejuvenated, but it will also allow you to slow down and relax a little. Think about it, how often do you treat yourself to at least 30 minutes of R & R each week? These gels are reusable if you only apply for 30 minutes and they come in a zip lock bag that is easy to store in the fridge.
All in all they’re worth the $25 they retail for, just don’t expect immediate results. Each pack contains three sets of gels which are all reusable, so they could last you at least six treatment sessions or 180 minutes worth of eye TLC.
Egyptian Magic’s Nine Week No Scar Claim – Put to the Test
February 10, 2010 § Leave a comment
The first time I applied it, I was turned off. It’s a salve which turns to oil when rubbed together with your fingertips. Doesn’t the sound of oil on your face sound gross? That’s what I thought. I rubbed the salve in my fingertips anyway and applied all over my face, under my eyes and rubbed a little extra between my brows and went to bed. As greasy as it felt when I first applied it, my face was completely matte in the morning. It absorbs nicely, though it might be too heavy for some skin types. I have sensitive skin and use fairly light lotions, like Shiseido’s Lifting Lotion II on a regular basis. So the olive oil and wax combo while absorbent was a little heavy. So, I use it only occasionally as a night cream and apply it religiously to an old scar on my arm. I now like the way the olive oil base feels on my skin. It’s got a nice natural scent. I’ll update if the scar disappears.
Loving it as a hair cream
As a hair cream, it’s amazing. I curl my hair with a ceramic iron at least twice a week, with Biosilk as a heat protector.
For the past few months, however, I’ve used Egyptian Magic as a heat protector – applying small amounts to the ends of each hair section before curling. I LOVE how shiny it makes my hair look. It adds texture to my fine hair; shine and holds curls together. It even looks bouncier.
As I mentioned before, it’s made of all natural ingredients. Its olive oil absorbs into the hair shaft while the honey pollen leaves a matte finish, without leaving it looking greasy.
All in one
I’ve been using my little 4 oz. jar of magic for three months and have only scraped out half an inch of product. I’d say add it to your collection of beauty must haves.
It is a great moisturizer – occasionally. It can be used as a lip balm and it’s a killer hair product. Lastly, it’s made of all natural ingredients. It’s worth the buy.
“Peace and Blessing Unto You.”
Harlequin the Romance Novel Empire Celebrates a 60 Year Milestone
June 12, 2009 § Leave a comment
The empire made of romance and dirty secrets celebrates its 60th anniversary and I can’t wait to investigate. The book series was a staple in my mother’s collection of must-haves.
In 1949 the romance novel series was born in Canada as a way to keep Winnipeg’s Advocate Printers presses running. Their first publication was The Manatee, by U.S. author Nancy Bruff. It was sold for only 50 cents a copy.
The publisher had its share of turbulence with tax issues in the 50’s but the publisher also reaped a great amount of milestone successes with book sales. Harlequin’s unconventional placement in supermarkets and drugstores proved to be one of their most profitable marketing strategies, reaching their target audience – women. Studies show that women read more than men, hence their target market still being mainly female.
Harlequin took off in the 80’s with the distribution of their “Temptation” line which was tailored for younger women. This was the era of seductive, sexually suggestive cover illustrations, “bodice-ripping book covers” – the hallmark of the Harlequin brand.
Harlequin Enterprises went global in the 1990’s, translating their books into 19 languages and distributing in more than 100 countries. “Harlequin’s operating profit rose to $64.4 million in 1990.” Soaring book sales were not affected by the U.S. recession of the 90’s.
Harlequin Romance Novels are now the leader in romance publishing. 2009 marks their 60th year in business and has taken to the web with eharlequin.com. Users of their online books are repeat visitors perhaps taking a mid day voyage to paradise with Fabio via their free ebook downloads.
For more information about their sixtieth year anniversary go to http://www.harlequincelebrates.com or go to your local Borders or Barnes & Noble.
Save on Produce and Support California Growers: Part One
April 10, 2009 § Leave a comment
How about picking up some fresh produce from a local farmers market this Sunday? Well if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, the farmers market locations listed below are worthy of checking out in Santa Clara County.
These local farmers markets are year-round and the list below is a collection of about ten that operate only on Sundays..
Los Gatos
For you early birds, head out to Los Gatos Farmers Market. The market’s hours of operation are every Sunday from 8 am-1:30 pm on Montebello Way at Broadway.
This market features organic and non-organic produce, fresh fish, cheese, dried fruits, nuts, beans, herbs, specialty spreads and dressings, preserves, juice, fresh cut flowers, and freeze-dried flower arrangements and wreaths in season. Last but not least an oyster bar. For more info call 408-353-4293.
Japantown
From 8:30 am – noon rain or shine go to San Jose’s Japantown Farmers Market on Jackson Street at North 7th Street. This is an independent and certified market near the heart of downtown San Jose.
Volunteer opportunities are available at this market. Go to their website for more info japantownsanjose.org/market.html.
Milpitas
As of April 1, the Milpitas Farmers Market has reopened. This market is located at 525 Los Coches Street at Hillview in the side lot of the Indian Community Center.
Featured farmers can be found here: pcfma.com/marketproducer.php?market_id=8. Thanks to a City of Milpitas and Indian Community Center partnership, this market will be an ongoing year-round Sunday happening.
Palo Alto
Palo Alto Farmers Market also showcases locally grown produce from 9 am – 1 pm on Sundays. Most of their stands feature organic produce, but some comments on Yelp claim that their prices are higher than other local farmers markets.
If you don’t mind spending a buck or two more, check out this Sunday Peninsula market on California Avenue at El Camino Real in Palo Alto. For more info about this market call 510-745-7100.
Stay posted for part two of this Sunday farmers market report.
Save on Produce and Support California Growers: Part Two
April 10, 2009 § Leave a comment
One thing is certain about these farmers markets, their produce is California grown and less expensive than store bought produce. Some farmers travel all the way from Sacramento to deliver their farms fresh picks. So go out and support these local growers.
I’ve search far and wide, high and low for every single Sunday farmers market in Santa Clara County. This article will complete my thorough investigation. Take the following places into consideration next time you head out for fresh produce.
Santana Row
Feel like taking a nice stroll, perhaps checking out a new Gucci bag before shopping for produce? Santana Row’s year-round Sunday Market is perfectly suited for the shopaholic Sunday lounger.
Hours of operation are from 11 am – 3 pm between and it’s located on Olin Avenue and Tatum Lane in Piazza di Valencia. Items on showcase include fruit, seasonal vegetables, oven fresh breads, giant prawns, cheeses, salad dressings, sauces, Indian foods, hot soups and olive oils.
It’s smaller than most of the local markets with only ten or eleven vendors, but it’s a nice addition to the already existing attractions at Santana Row.
Blossom Hill
For those in the southern most part of the South Bay, visit the Blossom Hill Farmers Market in the Princeton Plaza Mall at Kooser and Meridian Avenue. Hours of operation are from 10 am – 2 pm.
This certified farmers market features approximately forty growers mostly from the San Joaquin Valley with some local vendors. Shopping hint: 1:30 pm till their 2 pm closing time, vendors are allowed to negotiate prices.
This market is a meat, poultry and dairy free zone. For more information about this farmers market, you can go to cafarmersmkts.com/blossom.html.
Campbell Urban Village
For you large farmers market lovers, Campbell’s Urban Village Market offers a local favorite – Greenlees Cinnamon Bread. A famed Artichoke Hummus maker from Petaluma with car salesmen antics sets up shop here as well. Buy into his sales, te dip is to die for.
This certified market was voted Best of South Bay Farmers Markets by San Jose Mercury News and Wave Magazine. Yelper’s also claim this market to the best in the South Bay.
It’s located at Campbell Avenue and Second Street and its hours of operation are from 9 am – 1 pm. For more information about this market go to urbanvillageonline.com.
Alum Rock
Alum Rock Village Farmers Market features, the cheapest produce in comparison to the rest of the other markets. According to massive amounts of reviews, this is not a trendy Sunday afternoon place to hang.
This is however the best place for deals. It’s hours of operation are from 9 am to 1 pm and is located on White Road in San Jose.
Mountain View
Last on the hunt, is the Mountain View Farmers Market located at Hope Street at W Evelyn outside of the Cal Train Station. This market averages about seventy parishioners says cafarmersmkts.com.
It rates average on the price meter according to comments I’ve collected. However this market is located at the beginning of Castro Street in Mt. View which is a cool downtown area strip of shops and cool restaurants. It’s a nice break from Santana Row, with an old school but nice Bay Area vibe worth checking out during a lazy Sunday stroll.
The real inspiration for this investigation is the fact that April is earth month. So what better way to celebrate your tree hugging inner-child than by checking out one of these neighborhood markets.
The Archives of My Mind 