Metropolitan Opera Matinee in LA Anyone?

Last year my mum, my daughter and I saw the Mets' Hansel and Gretel at the Bridge Cinemas. It was simulcast live and we even got to go back stage for a tour during the intermission! You get the real feeling of being there when the vintage chandeliers (lobby lights posted) start to float up before the main curtain opens. At $22 per ticket it is a great deal. For programming information please go to http://metopera.org/hdlive .

"Failing Nature" at Long Beach City College

Failing Nature the current art exhibition at Long Beach City College, curated by Habib Kheradyar, features artist Iza Jadach in the Project Room. The Blue Cloud, pictured above, is one of three sculptures featured by the artist. For exhibition information please visit http://art.lbcc.edu/.

Out of the Cupboard: Earrings

At the Long Beach Veteran's Stadium last Sunday I bought a plexi plate stand and this earring display (4$). I now have 97% of my earrings out where I can see them, not stashed in four different places! You know what I am talking about! I might even save a little money on impulse purchases!

Make Your Own Monet!

I took pictures of the
reflection of the foliage on
the pool water. Et voila, my
own version of Waterlilies.
You can make your own high tech Hockney
at http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/how-to/create-your-own-hockney-059623 or a low tech Monet.

It's Too Darn Hot!

The Veteran's Stadium Flea Market was brimming with great finds this past weekend, but, the prices were as high as the temperature on the blacktop. This oak nesting coffee table was $125! Huh?














Nobody is watching the shop!















A Lane "Acclaim"bedside table with big scratches in the top was $95; yikes, very off-putting!

On a brighter note, Mr. Linens is always ready to deal and can be found at several markets in the LA area :).














I could not concentrate in the heat! I was preoccupied with fighting off the sun! Note to self: save indoor thrifting for the dog days of summer!

Mi Casa Es Su Casa!

My humble hodge podge lodge is a LA home tour on http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/house_tour_emmas_cheap_and_hap-59048.
My motto is "cheap and cheerful. If you work low budget, I work no budget," which is the perfect explanation for my impulse purchases.

Morning Glory Madness

A short time ago morning glorys claimed two of my hillsides, but after toiling for three weeks on it, I got one back. While stuffing vines the size of human birds nests into the green bins, I was plotting my revenge. I made circles (wreaths) out of the morning glory vines while they were still green and flexible and then used floral wire to put them together. I am not done playing with them yet.

IKEA, where's the HALLA?

On my first outing to IKEA I had paper napkins on my list. I love the recycled 19" paper napkins with the big graphics on them! IKEA was playing it way too safe with only solid colors in the larger size. Come on IKEA designers A. Eferlund and M. Vinka what's up with that? Well, here is what is left of my dwindling stash. Notice the blue one, doesn't it look curiously like the http://apartmenttherapy.com/ logo. I knew it looked familiar...

What is a paper napkin addict to do?

Faux Bois For Less

Fake wood grain, mother earth's natural moire is very popular these days. It can be found in wallpaper patterns, carpets, pillows, sheets and furniture. My love of faux bois was ignited by the artist Brigitte Engler when she had her solo exhibition at POST, Los Angeles

http://www.hkrad.com/post/archives/archive.html. Then, I truely began obsessing about faux bois. I made lilac trees by covering 2 by 4's and chicken wire forms for South Bay Ballet and had way too much fun with my felt faux bois bark. I miss the wood grain textured cream paneling in our last house. Now I feed my obsession at http:///itsknotwood.blogspot.com/.

It might be that you might have faux bois in your house and don't know it yet. We have two of those low end, white ceiling fans in our house. In the past my husband, not me, has climbed up on a stool to clean the blades. I was going to paint one side of the kitchen fan blades with chrome paint, however, as we took them down we discovered the reverse side was faux bois! We reinstalled to faux bois side and are happy campers. I looked online and Home Depot sells a similar version for about $20!

Out of the Cupboard: Egg Cups

Lavender Egg 3
Originally uploaded by emmajay2008

I love my egg cups, but one is only allowed so many eggs. I bought this egg cup about 3 years ago at (I think) Habitat in London. The minature lavender volunteer is from the yard.

Oxo Bull Tea Towel for the Month of August

Oxo bull tea towel
Originally uploaded by Trevira

In the States we know OXO for their Good Grips Kitchen Tools, but did you know that they also make 'bullion' cubes! Trevira has other great tea towels and related finds on her flickr. Thank you, Trevira for being "a Martha" and keep on taking those photos. XOX:).

PCH Modern has moved to Carson!

Now we can hit two of my favorite stores in one outing!

Check out their cool inventory and get more info on the move at http://www.pchmodern.com

Mum, Maggie, Me and IKEA !

Yeah, the day has finally arrived! Mum, Maggie and me made a date to go to IKEA in Carson. My Auntie Mags is visiting from England and is very curious about our version of IKEA. As it happens, our visit coincides with the arrival of the 2009 catalog. Yes, I know, you can read it on-line, but I treasure a hard copy in the house. I have a small list:

1. small lamp shade or new lamp

2. large paper napkins (fingers crossed, I'm addicted)

3. cork mats rectangular and round

4. kitchen floor mats

I might be tempted by a houseplant or a succulent or two that I don't have in the yard yet.

Thanks photomuppet for your flickr photo. "We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz..."

Family Wedding at La Costa

This weekend was the much anticipated wedding of Ladan and Soheil. The Persian ceremony was held prior to sunset, nestled amongst the bungalows and the greens. Sounds of Sinatra and Ella greeted the wedding party as they arrived and entertained the enthusiastic hotel guests.




At sunset we were treated to drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the patio overlooking the golf course. A scrumptious dinner was had by all followed by dancing, more dancing, and more dancing, and more, and...