betabethany

Teaching Dad to blog

2011-11-23T15:54:00.001-08:00

Now we are teaching my father to blog. Click here for his website.

Coasters from FLOR samples

2011-07-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Coasters from FLOR samples
Originally uploaded by betabethany
I had a few sample squares from Flor lying around and I decided to do a 5 minute DIY and make my house some coasters!

I measured the square into quarters. Then I used a razorblade to cut the squares.

Finally, I sealed all the edges lose fabric ends with a lighter.

All done. We've used them for over a year, and they work great! We used the "Toy Poodle" samples from FLOR.

An Experiment in Scanning

2010-10-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

For some reason I decided to scan some slides today, old slides I took in 1998-99 for my college photography class. Of course, I don't have a slide scanner. So, with some adjustment and fiddling with a lamp, I got some pretty crazy scans that I think are better than most the pictures I took. Of course, my special favorite is the one with shoes over the dicks. You can see them all here.

Seventh Generation's got TAMPONS

2010-10-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

I have had a hard time "greening" the monthly visit from my Aunt Sarah. I've heard too many mix results to spend $40 on a Diva Cup, Moon Cup, etc. The seemingly organic Trader Joe's tampons just plain hurt. Stories of Tampax and asbestos has scared me off other corporate tampons. So I end up wearing diaper like disposable pads (really pleasing neither myself or Mother Earth).

So, I will be sure to pick up a box of these whenever I can and give them a try. Maybe these can relive a little of my "green-guilt."

Free and Easy Experimental Art

2010-09-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

I had an empty frame that my mom had given me a while back, and I was just tired of storing it in my little apartment.

So, although I didn't have a specific picture in mind to frame, I did have an old vintage Time Life book laying around. I painted the frame with black matte acrylic paint and picked two pictures from the book that I liked. The picture on the left is a close-up on bone marrow. The right picture is a close-up of an eye. I love new art when it doesn't cost me anything (well, I did by the book for a $1 at a garage sale) and takes less than an hour.

Coyotes ate my cat and my feelings got hurt.

2010-09-03T00:37:00.000-07:00

This is my first painting ever. Titled "Coyotes ate my cat" after my cat disappeared and I am sure the wild coyotes of Los Angeles ate her. I saw a coyote in my front yard looking for seconds the week she left. My niece was convinced the cat "went on vacation with the unicorns."

Anyways, I made this painting in memory of Lily. I didn't think it was great. I wasn't even sure if I liked it. I had never done a painting before. Then my brother-in-law said he really liked it and wanted the painting. It was very nice of him and convinced me to continue painting. I gave the painting to him. That was two years ago.

He moved this weekend and asked me if I wanted my painting back. He didn't have the room for it. And he does have a lot of paintings and he was getting rid of a lot of stuff. So, it isn't that big of deal. But I can't help but say that I've got hurt feelings.

Dylan's Birthday Present

2010-07-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

My dad always says that he is the easiest person to shop for--and in some ways, this is true. My husband is similar. He is happy with books and CDs--and really that is it. That's what he wants. But that gets boring for me (the gift giver) and I always want to give him something special to show how much he means to me.

So this year I went out on a limb and bought him a new shaving kit.
I wasn't sure if he'd be into it, but he has loved it!

I got him the Goat Milk Shaving Soap kit from Etsy
Then a straight razor
I also got him a new BPA free Nalgene water bottle
And a book

I was a good wife this year.

Funny, but Dylan has been doing some research on straight shaving and says it is different from using disposable razors, but he says his face has never felt smoother and he has mentioned to me how happy he is that he is now creating less waste by using a straight razor. Also, he says it is fun to shave with the soap and badger brush and straight razor. Here is a shaving forum he showed me about the economics of straight shaving and its growing popularity due to the recession.

Introducing LADIES BRUNCH!

2010-07-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

So, my Ladies Brunch group is starting a blog and I'm a contributor!

Check it out at ladiesbrunch.com

Razas Humanas

2009-10-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

I love this new/old poster from Transmission Atelier. It is a shame I don't have $80 to buy it because I want it bad.

The Moving Dilemma

2009-08-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dylan and I are moving tomorrow. It has taken a long time for us to get to this point, and I am estactic. However, making it a eco-friendly green move has brought up some dilemmas.

1. The idea to move in the first place was a struggle because we currently live in a large house with many roommates. Too many roommates in my opinion. Dylan and I have been living together for six years and we have been married for two. All those years living with roommates. Now, I know roommates can be greener living because instead of four dining room tables, we all share one. Instead of 4 sets of towels, we all share one. However, all this sharing (esp. since I was living with all men roommates and the housework was not being equally shared) has been detrimental to my emotional well being. So, after much coaxing, I've finally convinced my husband to move.

2. Now, the more recent dilemma: What to pack? Since we have always lived with roommates (and for the past year lived with Dylan's brother who has more than enough stuff for seven people to use) I have had a hard time gaging what we will use and what we won't. In fact, we've kept almost all of our wedding presents packed away for two years, so I don't even remember what we have and what we don't have.

So I think I'm over packing, especially when it comes to tools and such. I don't want to get rid of something only to find out that I need to go and buy the same thing in a few months. Also, I plan to do more DIY projects at the new place, so I want take all that a need. Still, Dylan and I are moving to a much smaller space and we need to get rid of some stuff.

So my answer is to move all the stuff over this weekend (actually Dylan and Miguel are going to do it because I will be in Vegas at Helena's bachelorette party). Then I have five days to unpack, assess what I need, get rid of what we don't need before the garage sale at my old house on August 23. So I will have Dylan move all of our stuff over in a controlled environment and then we will move it back to the house to sell. He's going to just love me and my logic after this move!

ETSY FIND: Fox & Clover

2009-08-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, what pretties are created in this wonderous shop. I can't decide if I want a necklace or a plate (I really want both). But I don't have the money to spend on such frivolous items, so I just look and drool.

Dress shopping for Helena's wedding

2009-07-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Especially since by budget is strapped, I've decided to start searching early for a dress for Helena & Todd's wedding this September. I'm currently thinking of going completely fun and with the Ebay seller with whom I bought my wedding dress. This is at the top of my list.

National Bone Marrow Donor Program

2009-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I finally filled out my kit for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program. I know donating bone marrow is an extremely painful process, but I've decided to get signed up. Dylan couldn't believe I was doing this. He said he's heard it is very painful. And then he said that the reason his aunt passed away was because they couldn't find a donor that matched her blood marrow. That pretty much solidified my decision to do this.

You can join the registry here.

Thanks to Alejandra for telling me about this program.

Ork Poster of Los Angeles

2008-11-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

I want it, I want it, I want it. I want to hang the pretty poster in my house.

Baba the punk Rocker

2008-10-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

I bought this little hoodie on ebay for $16.00 including shipping. Baba is going to be a punk rocker for Halloween. I can't believe I just bought dog clothing! I'm becoming so L.A.

Halloween Party: Quadruple B-day Party

2008-10-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

Because my socialist party is having their national conference 1 week after my birthday, I put the idea of "Super Doble Quincenera" on hold. Maybe I'll have "Super Triple Quincenera" when I turn 45. But, since I am turning 30 this year, I didn't want to ignore my birthday.

So I've had a little help from my friends. My best friend Jon's b-day was yesterday. My good friend Courtney's b-day is November 1. Her boyfriend Ray's b-day is on Halloween. So we are having a quadruple b-day party! On all Hallows Eve. It is the funeral of our 20's after all.

And Courtney made this very wonderful invite for everyone. I love it and I love that I'm going to be moving into the 30's with friends. I'm a little freaked about turning 30, so I'm glad I won't be alone.

Palin as President

2008-10-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Halloween! Check out this link. It is a scary, scary world we are facing.

My Retirement Plan

2008-10-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

is finally paying off.

Echo Parque in the House!

2008-10-08T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! I knew the Eastside was the place to be. Echo Park was just named one of the 10 APA Great Neighborhoods for 2008.

2008-10-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

I just bought this wonderful little perfume bottle on ebay so now I must go forward with my idea to make my own perfume. This seems like the best idea and I'm going to start this tomorrow. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Ingredients:
Vokda
Grapefruit peel
Orange peel
Lemon peel
Dark bottle
Cheesecloth or strainer
Distilled water

Step 1
Place your lemon and orange peels in a dark jar or bottle and cover with the alcohol. Leave this in a cool, dry place for several days to extract the scent from the peels.

Step 2

Strain the peels from the liquid using a cheesecloth or strainer, discard the peel and reserve the liquid. The liquid should smell fresh and clean because it contains the essence of the fruit.

Step 3

Pour the liquid back into the bottle and set it aside. Keep an eye on this because you'll need it in just a minute.

Step 4

Mix the distilled or spring water with the essential citrus oils until well combined. This is the perfect time to check the scent level to decide if it is strong enough for your taste.

Step 5

Add the water and oil mixture to the bottle and shake well to combine all the ingredients. Cap the bottle when finished.

Step6

Leave the citrus perfume you just made in a cool, dry place for two weeks, shaking occasionally. The longer you let the perfume sit, the stronger the scent will be.

If I won the lottery this week. . .

2008-10-05T21:27:00.001-07:00

I'd buy these.

Brown Kraft Labels

2008-10-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

I was looking for the materials for my Christmas cards (I know, I'm starting very early) and I came across these awesome brown kraft labels that say the are injet printable and feel just like a paper grocery bag. Love them. I'm dreaming of a crisp white cards with the design and label attached to the front. Not for my Christmas cards this year, but worth remembering.

Happenings in LaLa Land: PHILIPPE'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

2008-10-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

This wonderful Los Angeles landmark is celebrating its 100th anniversary on Monday, October 6th. This means this establiment was created the same year my house was built (and people say there are no old buildings in LA). But the best deal this centennial celebration--starting at 4pm their famous french dipped sandwiches are going for $.10. Coffee will be $.05. See you there.

Thought for the Day: Yanni

2008-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

How, really how, did he ever make it?

Thought for the day: Don't just think about us

2008-09-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

This little bit of knowledge came from by friend Karla in Mexico City:

"Everytime the U.S. economy sneezes, Mexico catches pneumonia."

The Green Memory Foam

2008-09-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

If and when I win the lottery, I will splurge on getting us a new mattress. Right now we sleep on a cheapity cheapy foam thing from Ikea. Essentia has created a "natural" memory foam mattress that just sounds heavenly. Would you invest in a high price mattress that you haven't tried out yet?

I've gone NO POO

2008-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, my friends, I've jumped on the no-poo bandwagon. Last night was the first night where I took shampoo and conditioner out of my life. After reading several blogs about it, I ended up going with the simplest way. I got a tupperware container with baking soda and used an old olive oil glass jar and filled it with 1/3 apple cider vinegar and distilled water.

I have to say that my hair was pretty nasty last night. I hadn't since Friday morning and I spent all Sunday cleaning the house. It was very oily and gross. I took about 2 tbls. of baking soda in my hand, mixed with water until it made a paste and then applied to my hair. I did this twice because my hair still felt oily. Then I doused my head with the apple cider mix. The entire time, I did not think any of it was working.

When I got out and combed my hair, it felt cleaner. My co-workers think I'm weird and have been smelling my hair. They say it smells like hair. I'm going to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the apple cider mix to spice things up a bit. One day down and I'm pretty happy with things.

Esty Find: joelkimmel

2008-09-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

My brother loves the Spurs and plans to have one of those gaudy "play" rooms in his new house filled with framed jerseys and other sports memorabilia. I can't fight him on this, so I've gone ahead and encouraged it. But, this is not your typical Spurs merchandise.

50th Anniversary of LEGO

2008-09-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

I try not to push too many "to buy" options, especially went it is made of plastic and not very environmental. But who can turn down this special LEGO set. This is the perfect thing to have in your house just in case your niece, nephew, neighbor's kid or inner child comes to visit.

Thought for the Day

2008-09-10T23:14:00.000-07:00

Hacker Fun

2008-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

My pirate brother in Berlin just sent me the cutest little blurb. If only it were true. . .I'd make a great president.

Making Defamer

2008-09-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Now my friend Mel's building a pretty good web personality. Check him out, yo!

School House Electric

2008-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

I 'm posting this because today I'm dreaming. Dreaming of having a house and decorating it my ecletic personal style. In that dream, I would get most of my lighting from Schoolhouse Electrics.

Etsy Find: DKDesigns

2008-09-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

My mother and grandmother are allergic to fresh flowers, so they've never had fresh flowers around the house and this has always made me a little sad. I love having flowers around. But, thanks to the beautiful work at DKDesigns, I think I have a small solution for them. These wonderful flowers are made of clay. The artist, Diane Phillips, also does custom orders for weddings.

My blog in Wordle

2008-08-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Check it out!
Makes me want to put my screenplay SMUT in the Wordle and see what happens.

Thought for the Day

2008-08-07T12:09:00.001-07:00

Hipster Pirates in Berlin
Originally uploaded by betabethany

"It's like hipster, hipster ahoy."
--from a radio DJ talking about the upcoming Sunset Junction in Los Angeles

Thought for the Day

2008-08-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

This must be said in a thick Eastern European accent:
"You like it when people make monkey sounds?"

Thought for the Day

2008-08-05T12:10:00.001-07:00

Sometimes creepy happens. . .

SavvyAuntie.com

2008-08-01T15:05:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by betabethany

My friend Courtney just tuned me onto SavvyAuntie.com. I'm pretty impressed with the info I've seen on the site so far.

I have a six-year old niece that lives with us off and on through out the year. It has been AWESOME to see her bloom from baby into a really cool kid. We just celebrated Adva's sixth birthday, but the picture above is from our first trip to the Los Angeles Zoo when she was two.

I love being an Aunt and can't wait to have more nieces and nephews (hint hint, Zack and Kallie).

You can take the girl out of Texas. . .

2008-07-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

. . . but you can never take Texas out of the girl! Still cleaning out my email box, and I can across these picture of me and my Texas transplants going to see Willie Nelson at the Hollywood bowl.

You will see pictures of us Angelenos holding Lone Star (for me, the ultimate beer of Texas). It is hard to find, but you can by them at the Galco's One Stop Soda Stop in Glendale. They have a truly wonderful selection of beer and soda, including some great beers we've only seen available Germany. Check it out and buy me some Lone Star while your at it.

More Job Sites

2008-07-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Going off the last post, here are some more job sites for you to check out!

craigslist
mandy.com
entertainmentcareers.net
vfxpro.com

Temp Agencies in Los Angeles

2008-07-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my email box and came across this wonderful email for my friend Nati about temp agencies. It is really helpful and I felt I needed to pass it on to you! If you are looking for jobs or temping, I hope this helps.

Spherion:
These are the offices I know about and the one in westwood seems to be good at providing regular work and opportunities, at least for me, but the pay range can really vary, from $11-18. They also have offices in other areas which might be more conducive to finding jobs in the media industry if that's what your'e looking for, such as Burbank and Universal City. You can check on their site. It's a good idea to call them up or let them know what you're looking for in your email. You can also check Hotjobs and Monster for stuff like that because I saw stuff for Sony, Paramount and Lions Gate on there as well as various Television companies.

Staffing Services
1081 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles , California 90024
United States
Tel: 1- 310- 443-9580
Fax: 1- 310- 443-9581
E-mail: dianarosenheck@spherion.com

Staffing Services
Staffing Services 4727 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 204
Los Angeles , California 90010
United States
Tel: 1- 323- 964-9566
Fax: 1- 323- 964-9464
E-mail: MicheleDrinks@spherion.com

Select Personnel:
Los Angeles Office
888. S. Figueroa St., Suite 2160
Los Angeles, CA 90017
T: 213-236-0490
F: 213-236-0495
LosAngeles@selectpersonnel.com

Anderson Associates Staffing:
Anderson Associates Staffing Corp.
6310 San Vicente Boulevard, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323-930-3170 Fax: 323-930-3180
Toll-Free: 1-877-3Recruit (1-877-373-2784)
info@andersonstaff.com

Bornia Careers:
This place seemed to have pretty good prospects for better paying positions.
Bornia Careers is located in the Howard Hughes Business Center near LAX.
6080 Center Drive
6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045
t 310.242.6705
f 310.242.5201
Applicant inquiries | applicants@borniacareers.com
General info | info@borniacareers.com

Manpower:
Downtown LA
707 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 4360
Los Angeles, CA 90017

Phone:

213-627-6260

Fax:

213-627-5704

Email:

LosAngeles.CA-Downtown@na.manpower.com

Santa Monica
12401 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 101
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone:310-820-8140

Fax:

310-820-4637

Email:SantaMonica.CA@na.manpower.com

You'll notice most of these big agencies have offices in downtown and west LA as well as some in the media centers and for some reason a lot in west SFV/Woodland Hills.

AppleOne:
Downtown L.A.
888 S. Figueroa St., Suite 170
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 892-0234
downtown@appleone.com

Beverly Hills
8929 Wilshire Boulevard,
Suite 115
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 289-9063
beverlyhills@appleone.com

Kelly Services:

ActOne:
Los Angeles Downtown
330 South Hope Street
Ground Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 623-8166
downtownla@act1corp.com

Studio City
12930 Ventura Blvd.
Suite 116
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 760-4912
studiocity@act1corp.com

Pasadena
2 North Lake Avenue
Suite 1020
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 792-2367
pasadena@act-1.com

FROM NATI: I went recently to most of these personally except AppleOne, Kelly Services and Manpower, but I've dealt with the first two before and they seem worth trying out. Manpower also seemed to have good opportunities. ActOne is pretty much like AppleOne I think. They both seem to get a lot of business but may not be so good on the pay range. As for pay, I don't know what you used to make, but just set your price with these agencies at what you want. They'll always call you with offers that are lower anyways. By going to a whole bunch of them you improve your chance of getting a better paying position. Most of the bigger agencies can be kind of like meat grinders but they get lots of opportunities, the only thing is most are around $12-13/hr, $15 is not that uncommon and every once in a while even $17-19 (Spherion called me a couple times with opportunities like this and the woman who runs Bornia said most of her jobs pay in the $17-20 range).
I recommend going on Yahoo Hotjobs and Monster.com as well as Careerbuilder.com to look at stuff as that's where I found most of these places.
A lot of these agencies test you on typing, word and excel (and one on math). Most of it's about knowing formatting, charts and formulas as well as some other basic stuff.

P.S. Be careful if you go onto Hotjobs, Monster or Career Builder as putting your information out there can sometimes attract insurance companies, pyramid schemes/scam artists. Career Builder seems to be the worst with this but Hotjobs and Monster are also vulnerable to this. They're pretty easy to pick out, though, but always ask for specifics.

THANK YOU, NATIVIDAD! YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

Photobooth Photos

2008-07-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

My best friend Christina just sent these to me from New Year's 2007. How fun and what a treat to get them a couple years later! This was the night we decided that it was going to be a "Peanut Butter Milkshake" Year, "yummy but substantial." In 2007, I got married and completely left my film career, so I would say it was that. It tasted pretty good, but by the end, it left me with a bit of a tummy ache.

For a great site to check out where photobooths are in your area, check out:
photobooth.net

Imagination Vacation

2008-07-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Imagination Vacation
It’s where you want to go
Imagination Vacation
Makes the workday not so slow

Sometimes I think about the world
The mysteries that it holds
Stonehenge, Camelot,
The stories that been told
I think about the world outside
Things I want to see
The Great Wall, the Pyrenees,
A circus made of fleas

Imagination Vacation
It’s where you want to be
Imagination Vacation
If you got troubles just like me

It doesn’t matter if where you work
Or what you have to do
A daily break from it all
Can happen just to you
You can fly to Neverland
Or hunt the great Loch Ness
Paint with Michelangelo
Go home and make a mess

Imagination Vacation
Doesn’t cost a dime
Imagination Vacation
Can happen anytime

Just don’t lose your job.

Remembering the little things

2008-07-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

IMG_0269.JPG
Originally uploaded by betabethany

Today is a day when I need to push myself to remember the little things. Dylan and I got into a car wreck today, and everyone made it out safe except for our one and only car--that we share--in Los Angeles. That is going to cost us over $1000 to fix and given the state of the economy and our finances, for a second there I wished I hadn't made it though the accident. So, here I am. Got to figure out how to get to work tomorrow, how to pay my ever increasing debt. But the most important thing I have to think about today is the little things that keep me going. I need those little things, but the big stuff is getting pretty heavy. Except for the first one, this list is in no particular order.

Here's my list so far:
1. My husband. I got to know him because he makes me laugh like no other. He also makes me smile and has high morals. He reminds me about the little things and how lucky we really are. I need him like I need the air I breathe.

2. Our dog, Baba.
3. I know enough Spanish to wax poetic.
4. Our families.
5. Our friends.
6. Our political work.
7. I got stories, many many stories.
8. I've discovered Mexico and its amazing culture
9. Country music
10. People's kindness never fails me. One of the women involved in the wreck even offer to drive me to work. None off the other cars got near as much damage as we did.
11. I'm from Texas.
12. I know I can be a better person, a better wife, a better artist.
13. I was raised to be a strong woman.
14. I'm not allergic to many things.
15. I've had opportunity to see some incredible films, art and music.
16. I've got a lot to lose.

That's all I got right now, but I feel better. What are the "little things" for you?

La Lucha Vavooooom!

2008-06-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful night and a wonderful anniversary! La Lucha VA VOOM! Dylan started the night by making me some nice tapas. Then we opened our bottle of Veuve Clicquot that we had actually saved from the wedding. We also had some white wine and headed downtown the the Mayan Theater for La Lucha Vavoom. We tried to sneak in some flasks, but the metal detectors at the door changed our minds. Of course, the detectors go off for everyone, so I think I could have still manged it if I had my dream purse.

La Lucha Vavoom is a much a burlesque show as it is Mexican Wrestling. The theater is huge. There is comedy, striptease (tastefully done), a wonderful hula hoop performance and much more. It is a true spectacle. The audience is largely Latino and mainly couples. The sexual energy in the building was electric. Dylan and I both agreed it was the perfect anniversary event. It is not the cheapest event, with General Admission tickets being $30 and the $8 ticket fee if you buy them online. The drinks are high priced, too (just like any type of event). $9 for mixed drinks and $6 for the cheap beer. Still, it is worth it. Be prepared to yell, shout, root for the Chicken brothers. Something every Angeleno should experience.

Anniversary Wonders!

2008-06-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

So, one year ago today, I was loosing my mind as a crazy bride! I was in love, happy, surrounded by friends and family, and it was a better wedding than I could have hoped for.

I really wanted the first anniversary to be a big deal this year! I mean, getting through the first year alive and still together is a reason to celebrate. And, I still love Dylan. We are going to dinner and then Mexican Wrestling to celebrate tonight, so I should have a chance to tell him how I feel.

Still, I couldn't help sending him a someecard as I thought of him today! The card above seemed to say it best!

Ladies' Brunch

2008-06-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite things about living in Los Angeles are my Ladies' Brunches. For the past three years, us "Ladies" have had brunches every few months. I just found the link to one of our first brunches in February 2006. You can see more photos here.

Squidlicious: ETSY FIND

2008-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Customizable Wedding Squids

I LOVE SQUIDS! Actually, I have any inner-squid and it is happiest when I'm swimming in the Pacific (though it is pleased with any sort-of swimming). Also, we know so little about those great giant and colossal squids in the depths of the undersea.

I say this all because I think I found a kindred squid spirit: Cleodee! I love her work. It is so wonderful. Check her squidlicious work out.

Customizable Baby squids

Squid with a fish taco

Dylan's birthday : REDWINGS CRAZY

2008-06-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Our first anniversary and my husband's birthday is coming up next week. We are broke and I've already wasted $80 on a fake ipod on ebay, which doesn't work at all. Sucked! So I decided to get something small and fun. Then I went overboard! He's getting a basket of Detroit Red Wings parephenilia. I don't really like having a lot of sport memorabilia around the house, but Dylan really loves it. He has had the same Redwings wallet for four years and it is falling apart. I gave him a new wallet for the wedding and he won't use it. So, here's what I've got so far:

Baby blogs

2008-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

My future cousin-in-law (is there a word for that) has started a new blog for her son. I think it is a pretty good idea for all the adoring grandmothers. It also prevents my email box being filled with pictures every time little Liam burps up.

My Dream Bag

2008-06-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for a new carry all. My current messenger bag has seen much better days. I'm hoping for something a little feminine but wonderfully industrial. Something that will work with most outfits, can carry a water bottle and a hidden flask at all times, sunscreen, my sunglasses, etc. Something I can put small purchases in when I forget my reusable shopping bag. I want it to resist stains and dirt. It has to match my amazing new Totoro wallet.

Right now the running contender for all of my needs seems to be the Lug Moped Day Pack. Any other suggestions?

Now I just got to find the money to buy it and to decide which color.

praha

2008-06-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

praha
Originally uploaded by betabethany

I just uploaded the most recent photos from my brother, Nathan's, travels in Europe. He just visited on of my kindred spirits, Melanie, in Prague. Looks like a wonderful city. See more pictures here.

Tiki Ti!

2008-06-04T19:24:00.001-07:00

Tiki Friends at Tiki Ti!, originally uploaded by dudaleite67.

There is one place on the Eastside that is really is made for the Eastside beach bums. Even if you aren't a beach bum, you can't help but love this family-owned and operated piece of paradise. Tiki Ti's is well worth a visit or great for a birthday event.

This is not a cheap adventure. At about $9+ per drink, you can't go crazy, but there are about 3 shots per drink, so you do get your monies worth. You can smoke inside, legally! CASH ONLY! Located in Los Feliz on Sunset, right at the "five fingers" junction!

My Los Angeles

2008-06-04T18:28:00.001-07:00

I take hosting friends from out of town very seriously. People come to Los Angeles with some pre-conditions based on what they've seen on television. Well, my Los Angeles is nothing like Entourage, Beverly Hills 90210, or the O.C. My Los Angeles is (for the majority) east of Western. It is spiced with cultural wonders from Korea, Mexico, El Salvador, the Philippines, and even indie-America. It's not always a love fest with this city, but I do love it--and I have so much more of it to discover!

I want to use this blog to chronicle some of my favorite places in Los Angeles, for your enjoyment and to help my hosting skills when folks are visiting!

I hope you find my Los Angeles suggestions to be fun and reasonably priced.

Movie Posters

2008-06-04T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm cleaning out my gmail box as part of my attempt to organize my life, and I came across the original files of film poster for WHO KILLED COCK ROBIN? I really love this poster. I should say that I am biased and I met my husband while working on this film. The film's director has now become my brother-in-law.

Still, after looking at Premiere's list of the top 25 film posters of all time, I think this poster hangs with the best of them. The poster was designed by the Minneapolis dynamite duo Aesthetic Apparatus for a very reasonable rate of $400. No idea of what their prices are like nowdays.

Human Tetris

2008-06-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

Been fizzy lately, lost in my own issues. That's why is give you a fun youtube find for today all the way from Japan: HUMAN TETRIS.

American Science & Surplus

2008-05-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sometime living off the waste of capitalism is not only random, but affordable. Here's one of my favorite online shops for the extra out-of-the-ordinary victims of overproduction--AMERICAN SCIENCE & SURPLUS.

HELPING HAND PLUS $7.95 EACH

PERIL STICKERS $4.95 EACH

Tastespotting

2008-05-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am a die hard recipe follower. Now, I always forget at least one ingredient and have to improvise, but I am not comfortable enough to just start cooking from scratch.

We've got the LADIES BRUNCH SLEEPOVER this Saturday, so I've been looking for some good recipes of indulgent confections and I came across Tastespotting. A simple and brilliant collection of the best from food blogs all over the net.

Jacques Tati's Playtime

2008-05-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

I watched Tati's brilliant eye-candy creation last night, Playtime. It isn't a narrative film, but visual drugs for the eye, the ultimate treat for the mid-century modern fan. Last night was the first time I wished a had an HDTV set up.

The clothing, furniture, and general art direction is quite a feat. Tati literally created an entire world for this shoot outside of Paris in 1967. This miniature metroplex was dubbed "Tativille" and took 100 workers a long five months to create everything from an airport terminal to power plant to a huge skyscraper with working escalator. This amazing creation was conceived by Jacques Tati and designed by Eugene Roman.

The best scene of the film is an elaborate restaurant scene, where we see Tati start to make fun of himself and the emphasis on design as the elaborate architecture and design literally falls apart around the patrons of the newly opened club. Be sure to notice how the "crown chairs" start to leave marks on the backs of the customers.
Playtime is available on DVD through Criterion Collection.