More Custom Work Examples

Looks like somebody really likes to paint
Alice in Wonderland! These panels are actually a foam core triptych I created for the book
"Pockets, Pullouts & Hiding Places" by Jenn Mason (2005, Quarry Books), using Liquitex acrylics, all in shades of yellow. The flowers and textured handmade paper overlays were applied with Golden Soft Gel Medium. Total height, appx. 14".
The panels now reside at my sister Donna's house, on top of my Steinway (she keeps that at her house for me as well.)

Looks like I've been very naughty!

See what I got for an early Christmas?

Hot Santa! ....don't I look promiscuous!

I actually spent another fun-filled evening with little Donna and Harm, this time at the Beverly Center. The real reason we ended up there is that we love to hold the poor puppy-mill puppies at the overpriced pet store there. It really is sad to see those mostly Idaho-born pups being kept there; hopefully, our giving them a lot of puppy love brings some happiness to their little caged lives.

Donna got a new Tokidoki Le Sportsac with little devils all over it. So cute. Then, I found the exact shirts we had picked up downtown yesterday for $5.00, in a store at the mall for $59.00! Donna had also seen the scarves we bought yesterday (for $6.00) at the Museum of Modern Art store on sale for $82.00! Glad WE know where to go! Harm checked out the sunglasses at Louis Vuitton ($580.00) and then we went to Bloomingdales, where she found some that looked really hot by Gucci, for only $260.00. I can't believe I wrote "only $260.00", as that is totally decadent. Fortunately, she has a $350.00 gift certificate at Bloomies, so she just may end up with them. I still have a problem justifying that (though I admit I spent a really stupid amount on some Bulgari sunglasses a few years ago.)

Things change.
Just because a day starts out all wrong, it can be turned around. Today, it totally slipped my mind that Sabrina was coming in early to pick up the huge vintage wall unit/desk that was in the back of the store. A really cool piece, she was lucky enough to be in the shop when Mary decided to let it go (we totally needed more room!) Handyman JoJo arrived late as well, but everything worked out just fine. Now Sabrina has the most awesome piece of furniture, and we have room to add more merchandise (and a few more work tables...that thing was huge!)

La Conversation

After Holly and my productive shopping trip, it was time to pick up the kids and feed. We decided to go to La Conversation, a popular West Hollywood eatery where Nicole Ritchie, Lindsay Lohan and Leonardo DiCaprio are often found sitting next to us. Last time we went, Frankie Muniz had a little conversation with Allie. I had the omelet with Swiss cheese baguette & oven roasted potatoes (Ben had the same but with cheddar,) and Holly had an absolutely delicious curried chicken salad. Allie had the Belgian waffle (not worth the photograph) and Harmony popped over and joined us for a few minutes (her shop, The Bridal Bar, is just next door.) She took her diced chicken breast to go (she had to get back to work) and Holly got a couple of boxes of their popular Christmas cookies for the boys at home. I totally ate too much, though Allie did eat half of my omelet. After that, a quick trip to Paper Source, then home!

Downtown with Holly Dye...

We found the fashion police out in full force while shopping the garment district in Downtown Los Angeles this morning. Fortunately, he deemed our attire appropriately fashionable, and let us go without even a warning.

Holly and I found plenty of booty, both for the store and for gift giving. We love to shop wholesale!

Charleville Cafe Walls

I painted these Lautrec-inspired walls at the Charleville Cafe; a Beverly Hills sandwich shop I opened in 1998 and later sold. Again, all images were painted free-hand, direct-to-wall (no sketches or stencils.) As per my rules, no ladder was used (I have no balance!)

Poor Beau Peep

Beau Peep has a really bad cold, so I told her about the SudaCare Shower Soothers (now in Vanilla Mint.) It's a really cool cold medicine; a big alka seltzer-like tablet that you toss on your shower floor, let it disolve and inhale while you clean your bod. Well, it worked pretty darn well for her (but it did sting her eyes a little) but the relief only lasted for a few minutes after she dried off. I still like it, and totally recommend it.

Cool New Store:

My good friend (and sometimes business buddy) Francesco Santoro, opened up a brand new store in the heart of the Beverly Hills Golden Triangle! It is called "Blast", and I have to say, it is a blast. Up-to-the-minute fashion and his fabulous handbags (I used to distribute his fine leather goods from 1998-2001, before I opened my last place) all at not too over-the-top prices. His website is not yet up, but if you're in the area, pop over and see this handsome, suave, debonair Italian heartthrob. You won't be disappointed.

Blast
420 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210
310-246-0625

All About Cheesecake

Allie was going on and on about how she wanted some cheesecake, how she didn't get any last week when I made one, and how she wanted to make one herself. Being that I was off all day today (though I did, of course, go in to the shop for a bit this morning) I granted her wish.
Here's the recipe:

Preheat the oven to 350

Mix together until fluffy...
2 packs Philadelphia Cream Cheese, room temperature
1/2 stick melted unsalted butter
3 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar (or you can substitute Splenda in the same amount)
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl whip up 3 egg whites until they stand firmly, then fold them into the other mixture.

Crush up 9 graham crackers, and use most of it to line the bottom of a cheesecake pan (about 7" square) evenly, then spoon in the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top evenly.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

The kids couldn't wait for it to cool, so we dug in while it was still hot, totally fluffy, and delicious (though I do prefer it cold.) We brought a cup of hot cheesecake over to The Bridal Bar so Harm could taste it. Score!

The Gift that Changed My Life

I am so happy with my favorite Hanukkah gift; a titanium Flash Drive that is making my life so much easier! Now I don't have to email myself the jpgs, gifs and other photoshop files from my Mac to my PC, no more unstuffing stupid files and having to wait until things download. I actually received the gift of time.

I am SO done with Donald Trump.

I loved the Apprentice. Trump himself, however, always had a festering creepiness about him. Now, apparently, he is the world's moral compass. AND he is bashing the most wonderful person on television: Rosie O'Donnell! I love her; she really tells it like it is, without worrying about being politically correct. Her rant on yesterday's The View" was right to the point! Just saying what everybody in the world already knows about him; now he talks about suing Rosie! He's calling her "a failure"; I call her a risk-taker, a champion. So what if she is a lesbian. How does anybody in their right mind feel that they have the right to judge anyone's sexual preferences (unless they are like pedophiles or rapists!)
Rosie had the best talk show on TV, a couple of wonderful books, gave it her best shot at Broadway producing (the riskiest kind of producing) and is helping SO many children and their families with so many different issues.
Trump? Adulterer. Blowhard, self-important Martha-crusher. Blasting Rosie on her looks, her weight (the camera really skews that...) and he knows that everyone makes fun of his comb-over. How childish of him to bring Rosie's partner Kelli into his own rant, saying how "easy it would be to take her girlfriend away, considerinig how Rosie looks." Stupid. But I really liked The Apprentice. I don't think I can ever watch it again.
I do love what Rosie posted on her blog (and Wikipedia!)

This is My Clown Car: "BOXCARZ"

I love my car. I've had it since fall '04, and I've put over 30,000 miles on this Scion Xb. The color is Thundercloud, and it has a rear spoiler. I am planning to make it a driving work of art, by wrapping it in an artful collage to serve a dual purpose: publicity for the store, and I think it would be really fun do create the artwork. I'm thinking...box of animal cookies? Vintage labels with floral collage? Pictures of the kids in a circus wagon cage? Hmmm...we'll just have to wait and see!

We Never Seem to Stop

Shop, shop, shop! First stop, Sy Devore, Studio City. The store which we assumed would be an "old man store" turned out to have the coolest menswear we've seen in a long time. Who knew! Harm was even able to find a Tommy Bahama 2xl black men's shirt for her dad. Allie got a blue raspberry tootsie pop which turned her tongue bright blue! Ha! From there we drove down the "restaurant row" of the valley; Ventura Blvd. With all the great restaurants there, we ended up at Islands. We are so predictable.

After a delicious meal, we headed over to Costco, where I had to exchange some pants I had bought for Ben (he doesn't care for cords.) I picked up a pack of Alaskan Salmon for uncle Leon (he had really enjoyed it when my mom served some as an appetizer Sunday night) and Harm got some holiday cookie tins for gifts. Since we were just across the street from Target, we had to stop (it would've been so wrong to just drive by without saying hello...) where I tried to get another "paja-cket" in black this time, but they were all out at that location.

Totally let down by the lack of what I wanted, we quickly left the store and headed back over Benedict Canyon, where the Christmas lights were on in full force.

I promise not to hit another Target until next year; I don't think I can take it anymore until then!

Rodeo Drive: 9:27 pm

A picture from the drivers seat...note the Baccarat chandeliers suspended from the median light posts. So cool. See the speedometer on my Scion dash? I love my clown car (maximum capacity 20 clowns!)

Migrate West to the Pajama Nation!

We are living in the Pajama Nation! Harmony says that her aunt Lori (wife of uncle Bill Walton) started the underground pajama movement a few years back when she wore her Nordstroms Donna Karan p.j.s to a major event. While at Target (oh, that again,) she led me to the lingerie section, where I found these pants, shirt and robe (the Tinkerbell Santa hat is from Disneyland)...thus granting my open ended visa to the Pajama Nation. I must say, it is a very comfortable country!

Custom Work

I paint, I draw. That's what I do best. Every image is hand-painted free-hand (no stencils or pencils; direct to surface.) Here is an example of a custom child-size table I did for a client; you can have one too if you're interested. Just give me an email (or come into the shop) and we'll talk. Did I tell you I do walls too? Just don't ask me to get on a ladder.

Too Much Subway Too................NOT!

I "forced" Harmony to take a long lunch today and bring over Subway again. This is really getting to be a daily grind(er.) I'm not so tired of it yet, but poor Harm has been subjected to my obsessively repetitive meal selections a little bit to often lately. I told her that I called 1-800-JENNYCARE (the free Jenny Craig 24 hr food hot line) and the recommended my particular meal choice:

6" Honey Oat

Turkey, no cheese

Mustard on the bread

Lettuce

Tomato

Cucumber

Jalapeno

Pepperoncini

Olive

Pickles

side of avocado for dessert.

I really can eat this every day, although I often turn it into a wrap to save 100 calories!

The Question of the moment:

Just how much Target is too much Target?

I had no intention of going back to that den of temptation, especially with only five shopping days left 'til Christmas, and the whole population of West Hollywood and adjacent neighborhoods filled with the need to visit that Bulls eye of a store. But no, I kept telling myself, it would be just fine. No kids to deal with, just me and Harm (Gary took all the kids to the 3rd Street Promenade for dinner.)

So after another brisk walk down Beverly Drive (hitting the ZGallerie, Crate and Barrel, Paper Source, Vicki's Secret and Anthropologie and a sinful supper at the Cheesecake Factory, I thought going to Target yet again this week would be a grand idea. After all, I needed some stocking stuffers for my dear Miriam's kids.

The feeling of trepidation began when I spotted the left turn line to get into the parking structure.

So many cars; Harm asked me to say my little parking prayer:

Hail Mary Full of Grace, Please Give Me a Parking space!

I instead proclaimed:

Hail Mary Full of Grace, Get me out of this Godforsaken Place!

Harm laughed, but I think god didn't hear my word changes, as lo and behold, my parking gods still kept me in good favor. Ha! Right by the elevator!

An hour later, seeing the same things I saw the last six times I was in that store in the past 7 days, I somehow managed to get the stocking stuffers for Ian & Collin. Mission Accomplished!

We booked it out of the parking lot, and were heading home, when Harm spotted the open Urban Outfitters on Melrose with a gem of a space right out front. Bam! We pulled right in! That girl can turn a wheel.

She picked up what she needed and drove me right to my front gate. This girl is dog tired.

New Rule: After a busy sales day at work, NO SHOPPING! Do it on your day off!!!

Just Got These Pics...

Who do you think scored the most direct hits? I've been told that a Walton never loses a competition.

Do Me A Solid...Please?

My dear friends, owner/coworker/designer Mary Smilove and Marina Drasnin Gilboa are up for the cover of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine. If you would please go to www.homecompanionmag.com, click on the "Pick the Next Cover" link, and vote for cover #1, you'll be making Ms. Mary a very happy lady (and thrill all of us at Sweetpeas and Snapshots!) You will love the featured article in the upcoming spring issue.

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!

Christmas in Beverly Hills

I have to take a moment and be thankful for living where I do. I just came back from a walk with Allie, Harm, and the dog (Charlie) over to Tiffany & Co. on Rodeo Drive. It's so nice being able to actually take a walk without a coat at 6pm in December. At the little faux-village where the shop is located, there was actually SNOW falling, albeit man-made. The holiday decorations are up in all their glory; this years theme being "Deck the Hills" (with very Shag-like banners on all the lamp posts.)

After browsing the sumptuous cases filled with the most beautiful jewelry, we made our way across the street to the Louis Vuitton store. I love everything there. There goods are so exquisite. In 2002 Harmony gave me a Vuitton wallet for my birthday (my husband hasn't even done that) and it still looks brand new. My dog was so well behaved; no shaking, crying, or accidents. He just let everyone oogle over him and waited until we were back on our block to do his business. Good boy!

Keep an Eye Open For...

The new book , Kaleidoscope: Ideas and Projects to Spark Your Creativity, by author Suz Simanaitis, due out this February (Northlight Books)...I got to see an advance copy of it on Saturday and it is totally delicious! Lots of excellent contributions by familiar art-scene names, and the publishers cared enough to keep the overall look of the book as the author intended. Congratulations, Suz!

Photo of the debutantes.

Rule #817

Don't lean against walls with display hooks. You will snag your clothes.

What a weekend!

In my compulsiveness I arrived at the shop Saturday morning at 8am (we don't open 'til 10am) to get stuff updated on the website. In what seemed like a twinkling of an eye later, Marah Johnson arrived with all her wares, and we got to the setting up of the event. Wow, did she ever bring a lot of stuff! The Accu-cut machine she has is just about the biggest, heaviest thing I've seen transported to a workshop. Good thing though, as the dies she made for that machine are just as big (and VERY cool!)
Marah was kind enough to stop by and refresh our Lovestruck inventory. I know I'm repeating myself, but HOT is not a hot enough adjective to describe the way this line is flying outta here. Our first workshop, the Luggage Case, was just so easy (and looked so complex...) Marah was extra generous with the Swarovski crystals ("take as many as you need to make it your own") and everyone finished their case with unique individualism.
I was very excited to learn the Paper Posie techniques, and again, surprisingly easy. Marah brought tasty colors of vintage glass glitter with which to cover the button centers, and some Swarovski flower-shaped buttons for center options. We used white floral tape to wrap the stems, giving an over-all lightness to the finished bouquets.
By the time we got to the Mannequin workshop, I was a little worn out, but as soon as we opened the Golden Soft Gel Medium I got my second wind. I LOVE that stuff! We all decoupaged our little hearts out until our debutantes were ready for their debut. Marah took a wonderful picture of all the forms on a mini-stage.

After a semi-clean up (not my strong suit,) Marah followed me home. It was almost 10pm and she hadn't eaten, so I whipped her up a pancake-style egg dish (with stupid Wonderbread toast...Gary bought the wrong bread.) We yip-yapped 'til late, then off to sleep.

I woke up really early (as usual) and turned on TCM, where one of my weaknesses was showing: Goodbye, Mr. Chips. This is a love/hate kind of daily experience for me; I love the movies, but hate what they do to me. I get hysterically weepy. Of course, this woke up the kids (but fortunately, didn't wake Marah,) and by the time she woke up, I had Visine-ed by swollen, red eyes back to a semblance of normalcy.

After some quality morning time with Marah before she left for her shopping rendezvous with friends, I took Allie to a 10am Broadway class, where she was filling in at the performance of Annie which featured an all-Orthodox cast (no boys.) They were short an actor for the part of Bert Healy, and since Allie has such a great voice, she was asked to step in. I had a few hours to fill until the 2pm performance, so I went to Donna's house to persuade her to join me on a last minute spree (you know where; Target!) Her family opted to join Ben and I on our shopping trip, where I found a laser-pointer for Elliot (and a stress ball), and the Beatles Love CD for Gary (which I will probably keep for myself!) I then bought an over sized wine glass for mom at Bargain Fair (I hate that store, but Donna loves it) and a book at Borders for Donna. I then snatched Harmony out of her house (while Rand went to Subway to get us lunch) and brought her to Donna's to eat before Allie's show.

After watching Annie for the fourth time in six days, I took Harm home, picked up Gary, picked up Uncle Leon & Paul, and went over the hill to the valley. Hanukkah at mom's house.
The house looked great, but I have to tell you, most of the time the smell of her perfume is just too overwhelming. Donna and I have told her many times that heavy perfume is a sign of incontinence, but she just keeps loading it on.

Ben loved his "Wilhelmina" trash can from the Container Store. Elliot went ape over his laser-pointer, and Allie squealed over the faux-fur blanket & her robe from Donna. Izze wouldn't let go of the squishy pig bubbe got her. The brisket was tender, and the latkes a little too heavy, but all in all it was a great evening.

We left all the kids at my mom's for the night, then Gary and I went to my dear friend Miriam's home for a little visit. She lives in Kauai most of the year, and only comes to town during school vacation time, so I take every opportunity I can get to see her & the kids whenever possible. We spent a few hours catching up, but then I had to take Gary home to sleep (he goes in way early every day.) Happily, I'll be getting to visit Miriam more this week, as I will be off on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. Wheee!

Just another whirl of a weekend in my life!

What Marah Means to Me...

Marah Johnson is a:

• Dynamo
• Totally Talented Teacher
• Creative, Imaginative Genius
• Great Storyteller
• "Say-Something-Nice" kind of person
• Good Friend

And a wonderful human being just to have around! I'll post all the details tomorrow, as right now I am kinda beat (big Hanukkah party at my Mom's) and I haven't downloaded my pics yet.

Goodnight!

Who is Cool Right Now?

Linda Woods is cool...and Cornell University agrees!

The Teresa Collins Report:

I have to tell you just how generous my friend Teresa Collins is. She has made arrangements to come to Sweetpeas and Snapshots on Monday evening, January 29th, to bring us all a few hours of free demonstrations...and she's not coming alone. Stacey from Junkitz is coming along with her to add to the fun! But wait, it gets even better; Junkitz is making up three giant baskets which we'll be raffling off from all the tickets we've been passing out at our events, and we'll also be introducing some hot new products from their line for shoppers to purchase. The festivities begin at 6:30pm, and we anticipate a technique-packed session filled with joy.
I'll post more details on the Sweetpeas and Snapshots blog as the date draws nearer....

Up Early...so much to do!

Before I go anywhere else, I'm off to Jenny Craig (hopefully, last night's Chinese didn't put me too far off track), then to Buttercake Bakery (pickin' up the cupcakes & banana cake for the classes.) From there, straight to Sweetpeas and Snapshots for our Marah-day classes. I get so excited on days like this; Holly will be with me all day, and I get to make things!
I am thinking that after class Marah may want to hit Target (I can't get there enough these days...) for a little big-box shopping. I still need to get something for my mother, Rand, Gary, Elliot & Izze for tomorrow night.

I am totally last-minute girl.

Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah...

In keeping the fried Hanukkah tradition, my friend Chachi and I had a delicious first-night dinner at Xian in Beverly Hills. Their pungent shrimp is SO delicious, the shrimp toast crispy-good and the chopped Xian salad; scrumptious. Ben enjoyed the teriyaki chicken skewer, and Chachi's daughter Alanna just nibbled on everything. Allie was busy at a birthday party for her other friend Alana, so she didn't get to partake. She was sad to have missed out, but had a great time at the party.

The shop was so busy today that I got out later than usual; in order to get to the restaurant in time, we skipped the lighting of the menorah. I'll be missing that ritual again tomorrow night, as I will be playing art with Marah Johnson 'til late at the store. Marah is such a thoughtful girl; she is bringing her own Accu-cut dies to the store tomorrow so people can play with them. This is extra cool, as she actually designs for Accu-cut, and we will be getting a first-play experience with the fresh designs. I want to make the Tussie Mussie (hanging cone) that Marah created. I plan on getting there extra early to hit the die machines before everyone else gets in (don't worry, I won't use up all the cardstock...) then I'll be all set to make my own luggage case, then my paper posie bouquet with the swarovski crystal accents, then my magnificent (I hope) mannequin.

I think the best part of tomorrow's day of art will be hanging with the people I like to hang with. Holly Dye, Keiko, Robakowski, Kim, Sabrina, Helene, Sasha, Alice, Shelly, and so on, and so on...wish my Jeannine could've made it (but guess who's making a mannequin for Nini anyway!)

When the classes all end, then the party will begin...I mean the slumber party! I'm having a slumber party at my house with Marah Johnson! She'll feel right at home with my purse-dog Charlie, the teacup yorkie (she has one just like it at her house!) We can stay up all night and watch all the Ugly Betty episodes on TiVO! Girls Gone Wild!!! (I hope my husband doesn't mind; I haven't told him yet!)

Country Living in West Los Angeles

Did I mention that Reba McIntyre enjoys decoupage? She came in with her entourage to pick up some Mod Podge and a few Suzi Finer tips (thrilled to get a class schedule)...very nice lady. Cute as a button, and sweet as pie.

Target. Again.

All these Holiday goings-ons necessitate multiple runs to Target. My personal Target? Gifts for Ben (already have Allie covered), and goodies for Elliot & Izze. Tough customers. I was able to score a few winners at the West Hollywood Target (Harmony got some really cute pants...) I know that I'll have to hit the new Container Store before the week is over if I want to make some dreams come true. Sigh.

I'll be sending out a big email tomorrow from the shop regarding the clever workshops that Marah Johnson has put together for us this Saturday (12/16) I have to tell you, I know it seems like a long day, but the place will be full of fresh friends, yummy tidbits to nibble and sip, and some naughty desserts as well. Three complete projects will be completed, just in time for a last minute gift or two. I know for whom I will be creating my Mannequin (any guesses?)

We'll be passing out more raffle tickets this weekend for the upcoming Teresa Collins night. Three baskets filled with new offerings from Junkitz ($50.value, $100.value, and $150. value., winner to be drawn on January 29th when Teresa Collins free-demos the night away at Sweetpeas & Snapshots. More info can be found on the store blog.

Beautiful December Day in the Magic Kingdom...
Oh, Beautiful...
Character Breakfast...
Cake Decorating Contest (w/only popsicle sticks!)
Chef Pat E. Cake!

The Happiest Place on Earth

Harmony, the kids, and I spent all day yesterday at Disneyland to celebrate Ben's 14th birthday. We couldn't have asked for a better time to be there; perfect weather, no lines and a birthday to celebrate! First, at City Hall, they presented Ben with a special birthday badge, which we found caused every employee passing by to wish him a happy birthday (many even sang to him!)

Due to the low attendance, we were able to get on so many rides: Indiana Jones, Buzz Lightyear, Star Tours, Space Mountain, Innoventions, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Gizmo Coaster, Roger Rabbit, the Train, Jungle Adventure Cruise, Tarzan's Tree House, The Matterhorn, It's a Small World, Snow White, Pinnochio, Pirates of the Carribean, a very cool 50th Anniversary movie screening, The Haunted Mansion (Nightmare before Christmas) and Splash Mountain, where poor Harm got completely soaked.

In between the rides, we had a character breakfast with every character in the park, and a special 2:pm birthday party. Pat. E. Cake hosted the event where everyone got their own little cake to decorate, then pics with Mickey & Minnie. At 8:pm we went out to Downtown Disney, and had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, where Ben was presented with their "Volcano" dessert. Very cool.

We were home by 10:pm...exhausted but so happy.

A Taste of Broadway

Tonight, A Taste of Broadway went to the Tony Awards. The City of Beverly Hills Parks & Recreation Department sponsored program presented a wonderful evening of song and narration from over 50 children at Beverly Vista and El Rodeo schools. These talented children, led by the dynamic Jenny Gordon, put together a musical revue worthy of a New York debut, with standout performances by sibling soloists Ben and Allie Finer. Actor Jonathan Prince was in the audience, thrilled by the emotionally packed music. A new annual scholarship was presented to Jenny Gordon to continue the program and take it to even higher levels in the future. Bravo!

All Around the World

I was just checking my stats, and it was a real pleasure to see that friends from all around the world are reading my little store-rees. So here are some shout-outs (in no particular order!) to you readers in New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, Germany, England, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Israel, Japan, Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico City, Acapulco, Canada, all across the USA and all the other globe-spots I left out. Thanks for taking the time; you are appreciated!

Allie in Annie Jr.

I didn't think I'd have anything out of the ordinary to share today; Allie had her performance of Annie Jr. today (she was Tessie!) and the entire performance was just darling. Of course I know Allie stole the show.

Interestingly enough, who else was in the audience? Annette Benning & Warren Beatty! So cool. They had a kid in the show as well. I won't go into details as to the locale (gotta respect a semblance of privacy) but it was nice to know they support their kids just like everyone else.

Before the show, I somehow got it into my head that it would be a good idea to bake a cheesecake (all the leftover cream cheese from Saturday's baking did have to be used before the expiration date) so I whipped one up at Donna's and left it to her to take out of the oven. She told me she brought it to uncle Leon's for dinner, and he just LOVED it! Gads, I love to bake.

Tomorrow night is the kids "Taste of Broadway" performance at Beverly Hills High School...I am so looking forward to hearing Ben sing "Bring Him Home" from "Les Mis".

Oh, what a Day!

To say that today's Sweetpeas and Snapshots Holiday Sale & Soiree was a success, that would be an understatement! So many old and new friends came by to toast, shop and hug that by the end of the day, we were ALL exhausted (but in a good way!) I will totally post a bunch of cool photos on Monday from the fabulous Linda Woods' free Spirit House workshop, and of my favorite guest ringer, Erin Foley. She sure worked her little fingers off today! The pictures above show my own delicious carrot cake (which was so rich, it mysteriously sprouted a real carrot overnight!), Holly, Linda and myself, and Mary's vintage Sweetpeas truck.

To see so many people from the "artgangla" yahoo group was really cool; it is always a pleasure to talk to the friends I usually only get to just visually visit via posts. It was also a treat to have a visit from designer Amy Tangerine, who agreed to lead another workshop on February 10th. If you haven't yet seen them, you will just love her embroidered tees.

Linda's student's Spirit Houses each came out marvellous, each unique and personal with rich tones and celebrations of individual expression (remember, I will post pics on the Sweetpeas blog on Monday.) We sold a bunch of Linda's book, Visual Chronicles, and her t-shirts were a hit as well. Take a peek at Rosie O'Donnell's website to see Linda's latest "tee-sign" (all profits benefitting Rosie's For All Kids Foundation.)

After we closed up for the night, Erin, Holly, Alice & her son, Sabrina & her mom, Harmony (who joined us) and I went to Billingley's Restaurant for dinner. I thought I would behave and just ordered the broiled chicken breast with rice pilaf (NOT the salad with green goddess dressing,) but I suppose the two Grey Goose apple martinis ruined my day's diet (that with the carrot cake totally put me out of the good girl range today!) Tomorrow, however, is another day.

My Middle Name is Excessive

I spent the entire day baking carrot cake at my sister Donna's house. Somehow I got it into my head that I should quadruple the recipe, as I wanted to bake a giant cake for tomorrow's giant Holiday Sale & Soiree at Sweetpeas and Snapshots (Linda Woods loves carrot cake.) I was so overwhelmed at the market (when I saw that they had carrots that were already grated) that I got enough flour, sugar, confectioners sugar, butter and cream cheese to make eighteen cakes. I can assure you that Donna has enough sealed supplies that we can bake every weekend for the next two months and not have to buy anything but eggs!
The cake came out perfect...I can't wait to cut it tomorrow. It is three layers high, and 10" around, with a tangy cream cheese frosting. I also make a loaf for my uncle Leon, and a dozen muffins which Rand ate a bunch of. If you're not busy, come on by the store and have a slice!

Top Secret "Think-Tank" Meeting

I had the most fun yesterday with Mary. The people at Creative Imaginations had invited us to sit in on their new product "Round Table", where they present and tweak their possible new line releases. There was only one other store owner at the full panel and one avid scrapbook enthusiast; the others were all C.I. leaders. Seeing all the new ideas that their creative teams have come up with was so cool; we love this industry insider stuff. Even more rewarding was the fact that they wanted to hear our feedback and listen to our ideas for product. What an honor!

I would tell you all about the new stuff we saw, but then I'd have to kill you (oooh, so top secret, that disclaimers were signed!) but I know you are going to go gaga over everything they opt to put out for their late 2007 release. I can, however, safely say that Marah Johnson is a genius!

Is there a manager on duty?

Last night I went on an unexpected Target run with Harmony. Even more unexpected, we ended up at the old Target on La Cienega instead of the fresh one we've been frequenting on Santa Moncia Blvd. Now this particular location has become increasingly seedier than most of the other stores, and some of the holiday staff they employed this year have quite a way about them.

Did I just say Marijuana? Well, I meant to. There was a very distinct odor emanating from a group of employees in the west end of the store. It was there, plain as day, right next to their bad attitude. Now I'm not preaching as to the legallity of the weed, but to partake during business hours, thats something else. I needed to find out if they had a certain game, and in their state (or perhaps it was just how they were deep inside) the entire group dissed me! All five stared vacantly into space, and turned back to their conversations.

I guess good help is really hard to find.

Check it out:

Interesting press release from www.notebookism.com

VALENCIA, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Television host Rosie O'Donnell called "Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals" "the only book you'll ever need" about scrapbooking and art journaling. Now, fresh off their appearance on ABC's The View, authors and sisters Linda Woods and Karen Dinino are putting the final touches on their follow-up book, "Journal Revolution: Rise Up and Create."
"Rosie's enthusiasm for self-expression through art made 'The View' a perfect place to explore visual journaling," says Linda Woods, co-author of "Visual Chronicles." "She and Elisabeth Hasselbeck shared our excitement about showing people how easy - and inexpensive - it is to create art that is uniquely yours."
"Visual Chronicles" revolutionizes traditional scrapbooking and journaling. The sister-authors show readers a new kind of art journaling, relying not on stylized products or rigid rules, but, as Woods describes, "on personal style, imagination, and common household art supplies." With "Visual Chronicles," Woods and Dinino give humor-filled projects and insight that turns writers into artists, artists into writers, and everyone into storytellers.
PR NewsWire

I had a feeling that this book is even more inspiring than anyone imagined.
Nagging reminder: You can meet author/artist Linda Woods THIS Saturday at Sweetpeas and Snapshots (like, all day!) at our Holiday Soiree and Sale. My patience is being tested; her next book, "Journal Revolution: Rise Up and Create" cannot be published soon enough for me!

The Early Bird

Up at the crack of dawn today; Allie had her honor choir practice and I drive the early carpool. I arrived totally on time, but found poor Mr. Reader at the curb; he was very ill and had to cancel today's practice! So sad. We send him our best and hope it is just a 24 hour virus.
I decided to rouse Ben and snatch him off to a hot breakfast. It only took him 6 minutes to wash up, get dressed, throw a lunch together and get himself to the car...impressive.
Of course, the kids insisted on Nate 'n Al Delicatessen (even though daddy runs The Nosh!) Early is good at Nate 'n Al; no waiting for Gloria (our favorite waitress.) As usual, by the time we made it from the front door to the booth, she had a warm plate of fresh cinnamon toast waiting for the kids. I had already had my Jenny cereal at home, so it was just a diet Coke for me.
Allie: Rice Krispys & Bacon (hot chocolate)
Adrianna: the same
Ben: Pancakes, 1 egg & hash browns (I know, too much starch, but the girls ended up eating his potatoes.)
Made it to their school on time, then off to Sweetpeas.

On a serious note: Take a few minutes to talk to your kids about getting in cars with their friends or strangers who appear to be friends. A local 17 year old boy was killed Saturday night (and 2-15 year old girls critically injured) when they got in the car with a T.V. actor they met at a party. The actor crashed into a tree; there were empty liquor bottles in the car, yet he has not yet been charged with any crime. Random act of stupidity.

My New Favorite Store.

What a treat to find a store with real sizes that actually has fashion-now looks at not-too-high prices. Torrid is just that; cutting-edge style blended with a budget. You should see my new distressed jeans and tattoo-inspired "hoodie". Too cute.

We had spent the morning at the Citadel Outlet mall yesterday. I don't want you to think that I spend all my free time scoping out malls; Donna had wanted to hit the Le Creuset store so she could take advantage of the customer 40% off day. She is a total fan of that fine cookware now, and uses it when she creates her scrumptious meals every day. I had just happen to wander over to the other side where I found Torrid. To make matters even better, they have a Hot Dog on a Stick (no, I didn't have a one!) where they squeeze the most delicious sugar-free fresh Lemonade. We all (Donna, Orly, Ben and I) had larges to go.

Allie attended a party at the American Girl Store they opened at the Grove. Talk about commercialism at it's peak! Wow, do they ever suck you in big time. Here we have a little girl who never touches any doll; all of a sudden, she is the biggest doll-enthusiast of all. Very odd. She was so happy to be able to bring her "Jess" doll (that she bought with her birthday money last May) and was even happier when daddy bought Jess a new doll-outfit after the party. She is lucky that he took her (and not me!)

Pretty, Pretty...

Here's a pic of Jennifer Esposito at Sweetpeas and Snapshots; she could not have been kinder; that special "star quality" oozes right out of her!

Debby Schuh, I Love You!

Oh my goodness, what a day! Master Instructor Debby Schuh flew in all the way from Buffalo, New York, to teach two sessions of her so-amazing mini-album with inclusions. The doors she opened in all of our minds can never be locked up again! The best treat of all was to find just how warm of a human being Debby is. I feel like I've known her for years; no attitude, no pretensions, just a generous and talented woman who clearly demonstrated her brilliant concepts in such a way that everyone was able to master her techniques.
I just know when we have her back again (very soon, I hope,) that I'm going to have to quadruply order all the materials she uses; we sold out of all the kits she brought, and most of the papers on the shelves. Anna Griffin is so lucky to have her!

Fateful shopping: Being the "Memory Bee", Debby had to grab one of the Catslife Press Queen Bee rubberstamps.

Star sighting in the store: Jennifer Esposito (from our favorite, Master of Disguise.) She was SO nice; a real treat to be around.

A banner moment: Holly Dye finally met Alisa Robakowski! I can't even tell you how many years each of them have had to listen to me yammer about the other. Today, they yammered with each other about me! Ha!

Nicest feeling: Enjoying watching Debby enjoying the work of Jeannine Stein. It's so refreshing to see an artist admire another artist's work without even the tiniest hint of cattiness, just admiration.

Disapointment: Norman was out of town (but will be back for his December 10th Anna Griffin layout class!)

Sometimes one day off can feel like a week.

Yesterday was one of those days. Having a purse full of gift certificates didn't hurt either. My first destination was Bella Donna on Robertson; my skin care salon where I have seen Reese & Cameron emerging on more than one occasion. Right after I parked my little box-car, I popped next door to the little french bakery to get my morning diet coke. I ordered, paid, and turned to leave. There, sitting at the corner table by the door, was actor Julian Sands with a beautiful English lass. Hmmm.
My facialist (owner Michaela) masked, extracted, waxed, plucked and massaged me to oblivion (and tinted my lashes to boot! Thoroughly refreshed, I made my way across town to Beauty by Malous (my sweet Persian girls there do the best color!) The place, as usual, was jammed, but Nahid managed to get my roots camouflaged and conditioned in less than an hour. I had planned to pick up Donna, but when I called to give her my e.t.a, I found her groggy (nap time!) Sans sister, I headed to my nail place for my mani-pedi. Whew! Did I need that! Whilst drying, my friend Jennifer happened to pop in. What a nice surprise!
Off to the Bridal Bar, I made a pit stop first at Sweetpeas (to see how the set-up arrangements were coming along for the Debby Schuh-fest) then at Subway for our lunches. I've been having lunch pretty frequently there, as the Jenny Craig people say it's okay. They are so cool, with this free 800 number (1-800-Jenny Care) to let one know what to order when going out for a meal. So much easier than reading that little booklet!
Lunched with Harm at the Bridal Bar, then drove over the hill to Costco (Ben needed black pants for a performance.)
By the time we were finished shopping and dealing with the rush-hour traffic, it was time to pick the kids up from their rehearsal (6:10 pm!) After that, we had to speed back to drop of Harmony, then head over to Rosewood Elementary, where Isabel was starring in "The Rose Pearl of Katsumiyama", and original musical by Eddie Mitchell. Instead of spraying Izzy's hair black like all the other parents, Donna DYED her 9 year-old's hair black for the play. Did it ever look great! The color makes her blue eyes just pop!
We got back home after 10 and just crashed. I just love a day full of action!