Tales from a San Francisco Shutter-Bug

Stitch n' Bitch

2012-01-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting my asymmetrical poncho today; being home sick all week there wasn't much else to do but knit and watch trash TV. The next one I do will be black or maybe a cream color but I bought this yarn 3 years ago when I was visiting my friend in New York so I really needed to do something with it. Plus it came from some really nice people that have a lamb farm in the Catskills.

Ritual

2012-01-15T00:34:00.000-08:00

Feline Frenzy

2012-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

I'm going to photograph all of my foxy lady friends with their cats and put together a book, hopefully it won't take me more than a few months. Might be time to get a darkroom membership going again.

London Calling

2012-01-08T10:20:00.001-08:00

I just got my ticket to London a few days ago; I can hardly wait. I didn't take a vacation last year since I switched departments at the hospital and coordinating with friends late in the year didn't jive. But I'm taking 3 weeks off next month so I am flying to London to see my friends, we're going to sneak in a little trip somewhere in Europe, hoping it's Belgium since I haven't been there before. I'm crossing my fingers I get my tax refund and some retro pay from work before I leave, there's an Acne store in London that I want to go nuts in.

Happy Birthday Dad

2012-01-07T14:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Armenian Christmas

2012-01-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

Armenians celebrate Christmas (surb tsnunt, Սուրբ Ծնունդ) on January 6 as a public holiday in Armenia. It also coincides with the Epiphany. Traditionally, Armenians fast during the week leading up to Christmas. Devout Armenians may even refrain from food for the three days leading up to the Christmas Eve, in order to receive the Eucharist on a "pure" stomach. Christmas Eve is particularly rich in traditions. Families gather for the Christmas Eve dinner (khetum, Խթում), which generally consists of: rice, fish, nevik (նուիկ, a vegetable dish of green chard and chick peas), and yogurt/wheat soup (tanabur, թանապուր). Dessert includes dried fruits and nuts, including rojik, which consists of whole shelled walnuts threaded on a string and encased in grape jelly, bastukh (a paper-like confection of grape jelly, cornstarch, and flour), etc. This lighter menu is designed to ease the stomach off the week-long fast and prepare it for the rather more substantial Christmas Day dinner. Children take presents of fruits, nuts, and other candies to older relatives.
In addition to the Christmas tree (tonatsar, Տօնածառ), Armenians (particularly in the Middle East) also erect the Nativity scene. Christmas in the Armenian tradition is a purely religious affair. Santa Claus does not visit the nice Armenian children on Christmas, but rather on New Year's Eve. The idea of Santa Claus existed before the Soviet Union and he was named kaghand papik (Կաղանդ Պապիկ), but the Soviet Union had a great impact even on Santa Claus. Now he goes by the more secular name of Grandfather Winter (dzmerr papik, Ձմեռ Պապիկ).

Feeling Crafty

2011-12-27T23:21:00.000-08:00

My cross came out a bit wonky but I needed to practice before ruining a good shirt. The next one I make will be black.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T11:44:00.001-08:00

Sushi Saturday

2011-12-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

My friends came over and Humiko made sushi; we had a feast.

Sunday Treasures

2011-12-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

I'm completely in love with my new necklace by Gather Jewelry

Some finds I picked up yesterday at the Swedish Christmas Fair; and some cinnamon rolls of course.

California Gold

2011-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

Thought it was time for a new look.

Psycho-delic Sunday

2011-11-27T10:59:00.001-08:00

Scored both of these pieces the other day at The Salvation Army; I love how Psychedelic is spelled wrong.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:46:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone on this side of the pond has a great day spent with friends, family, or loved ones.

Six Six Six

2011-11-22T16:57:00.001-08:00

Today I reached 666 followers; pretty rad! So is my new necklace by BucknuDesign

Rituals from the old country

2011-11-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

This weekend I baked a batch of Chorags for the very first time. Chorags are Armenian yeast rolls that are mildly sweet and meant to be eaten with strong coffee, I like to have them warm and smothered with butter and jam. I ate these quite often as a child when visiting my great aunts; they were always baking and even had a few recipes published in a book back in 1970. My aunt scanned the cover and sent it to me along with some recipes. To go along with these yummy sweet buns, I broke out my great grandmother Lucy's Ibrik and made Turkish coffee; also for the first time. This pot (Ibrik) is 100 years old and my big grandma Lucy used to do coffee readings when she finished drinking her coffee, coffee fortune telling is centuries old. Tomorrow I'm going to try it with my friend, hopefully we can get a mythical glimpse into our future.

Saint Francis Fountain

2011-11-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Millie took me to the Saint Francis Fountain for breakfast today; I'd never been there before or even heard of it for that matter out of all the years I've lived in the mission district, where have I been? The food was amazing with lots of vegetarian options, I hate eggs so I'm always happy to find a breakfast place that does tofu scrambles. This place rules! I can't wait to go back. Here's a little blurb I took from their website.

History

St Francis Fountain was founded in 1918 by James Christakes, an immigrant from Sparta, Greece. It has been in continuous operation in its present location ever since. Three generations of the Christakes family ran the St Francis as a confectionary, ice cream parlor, and lunch counter until 2000.

In 2002, the current owners, Peter Hood and Levon Kazarian, purchased the business and restored the beautiful but dilapidated 1948 dining room and installed a full service kitchen in order to expand and improve the food offerings. Changing the focus from old-fashioned confectionary to updated diner, the St Francis Fountain is once again the living, bustling neighborhood anchor that it was in its heyday.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a great Halloween. Last night my friends and I went to a Psychedelic Halloween show and saw The Warlocks play, it was awesome! Not sure I have the energy to go out again tonight, I'm completely sleep deprived but this outfit sure is fun to wear.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-25T20:22:00.001-07:00

Someone else is excited about Halloween.

I love walking on wood

2011-10-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

I cashed in my September book profits for a new pair of clogs.

The Fillmore

2011-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

One of my patients brought me an original handbill from the Fillmore for a Quicksilver Messenger Service concert he attended. He said he still has all his posters and handbills from the 60's; if only my mother would have saved hers. This is so awesome and I'm going to frame it. It's a piece of San Francisco history which is special to me since my parents are both natives and lived through the whole music scene back then, I feel sort of connected to it in a weird way. I found a site with info on these things, it's pretty cool.

Check it out here:Quicksilver Messenger Service

The handbill was only printed once before the concert and presents a calendar of upcoming Bill Graham events on the reverse. It measures 4 5/8" x 7".

There were also some pre-concert postcard mailers printed that were conjoined with the BG248 image (see BG248/249). They measure 7" x 9 1/4".

Concert promoters created handbill versions of many of their posters and used them as sidewalk handouts and dashboard fliers to promote upcoming shows. Many of the handbills are double-sided, with poster art on one side and a calendar of upcoming shows on the other. These handbills represent an important element of rock concert history because they were hands-on marketing tools that united promoter and patron.

It's My 3rd Blog Anniversary

2011-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have such a great time blogging and have met some really talented and creative people who continue to inspire me everyday. Thanks everyone for following me.

Sunday Treasures

2011-10-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

New boots from Karen Elson's Vintage America Collection and a new pair of Lunettes de soleil; the saleswoman at Neiman Marcus gave me $50 off on the glasses since I'd been a long standing card member, I'm still not going to discuss the price.

Tosca

2011-10-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Tosca today for the first time; it was really cool inside, I felt like I was in Italy. The weather was too warm outside so each of us got martini's instead of hot drinks which are what they're famous for. Here's a little bit of history I snagged off of the internet:

Today’s North Beach institution, Tosca Café, was opened on 19 November 1919 by three Italians returning from World War I who wanted a bar like those they had frequented in Italy. Alas, less than two months later, on 16 January 1920, Prohibition went into effect throughout the United States. How could Tosca fill its customers’ orders?

One of the three partners was dispatched to Healdsburg to make brandy. Espresso machines were imported from Italy – the first in 1921 and a second in 1927. Soon they were up and running, steaming milk for Tosca’s two famous coffee drinks: their House Cappuccino consisting of chocolate, steamed milk, and brandy, and their White Nun with steamed milk, brandy, and kahlua. (Carol Doda used to sit in the front window of Tosca sipping White Nuns during her breaks from dancing topless at the nearby Condor Club.)

My obsession with Halloween continues...

2011-10-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

My friend and I as Laurel and Hardy circa 1986. It was not easy wearing a pillow stuffed in my pants the entire day but we sure looked good. Unfortunately this is the only photo I have from that day and it's not that great but at least I have it right?

Halloween circa 1970

2011-10-12T11:14:00.001-07:00

My dad as a business man, my mother is an Indian girl, and my aunt is a flapper girl. These gems are from my aunt's collection, I'm going to have to raid her photo albums one of these days because I know she has some amazing stuff in there. I fricking love Halloween!

Halloween 1956

2011-10-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love these pictures of my mom and my aunt from Halloween; I had never seen them until last year when my aunt blogged them, they came from my grandmother's collection. Now it's my turn to show them off.

Je m'apelle

2011-10-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

I was given this little bottle of perfume sometime in the early 80's by my great aunt, I wish I would have saved the box but I'm happy enough to still have the bottle after almost 30 years.

Michelle Perfume by Balenciaga, This timeless classic perfume by Balenciaga was introduced in 1979. Romantic in its scent its posses a fine blend of rich and exotic floral, with high notes of tuberose. It is recommended for romantic evening wear.

National Cinnamon Bun Day

2011-10-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

It is National Kanelbulle Day in Sweden; Kanelbulle (literally: "cinnamon bun"). Making these take a bit of work but they taste really good and are worth it, they're not as sweet and dense like the American version. I wish I was in Sweden right now.

I love October.

2011-10-03T20:02:00.001-07:00

Because there's Halloween, it's usually still warm from Indian Summer, and it's also "Rocktober" where there's always a ton of rad shows that month. I've already seen Buddy Guy and even though it's not until November I'm seeing Kyuss and The Sword, that should be one HELL of a show! I got these tonight and the pet store, I couldn't resist.

I get around

2011-09-27T07:23:00.001-07:00

So I contacted a guy over at a rather cool website that I like and follow and said I would appreciate it if he would ask permission first or credit me on my photos instead of just taking them and posting them. Apparently he didn't know they were mine and apologized but proceeded to tell me they are all over the internet and that it's free reign. I totally concur but it ain't to much to say where the source is from or email me and say I want to post your photos, is that cool? I like the fact that people appreciate my old family pictures and even more when they buy my book; I've sold 17 copies so far, and I think I have the internet to thank for that.

Sunday Treasures

2011-09-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

My recent quest was for vintage Belgian Apothecary jars. Got both of these last week.

TGIF!

2011-09-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough week emotionally but I think I've learned my lesson about a few things. Why do I keep repeating the same mistakes knowing what the outcome is going to be? I think I just really need a vacation but dammit every travel plan I've made this year has fallen through for one reason or another; and then of course I've pissed $1,200 away on ankle boots. I am determined to go somewhere before the end of the year. But how rad is my friend Daniel's shirt.

House of Dagmar

2011-09-13T07:04:00.001-07:00

These House of Dagmar sweaters were $350 and $400 and I only paid $90 for one and $100 for the other including shipping all the way from Denmark. I love buying stuff from overseas that you can't find everywhere; but then again I'm a sucker for anything European.

Sunday was made for getting sloshed

2011-09-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with 2 lovely ladies and lots of fruity drinks.

A walk home from work

2011-09-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

I love walking home from work, there's so much great stuff to look at that never gets boring. My friend Sarah and I try and walk home at least a few times a week; it takes a good hour but once we make it up the treacherous hill, the view and the walk down are well worth it.

Sunday Treasures

2011-09-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

Some of my birthday gifts.

It's My Birthday!

2011-08-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to a long weekend spent with friends.

Life on Wheels

2011-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

A really nice guy from Italy named Vilmino sent me an email this morning telling me he did a blog post with my old family photos, he has a cool site dedicated to motorcycles. Loser Rules

I need to translate it since it's in Italian so I know what he said, lol... looks like he even bought a copy of my book. I've had 2 guys contact me in the past few days about it; I just now set it up so people can purchase it and I make something, I don't get that much of a profit and I hope I didn't set the prices too high but that can easily be fixed.

Buy me

Mediterranean Monday

2011-08-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

At work today one of our nurses brought in a bunch of eggplant from her garden so I asked my favorite neighbor Sean if he wanted to make something with them; he loves to cook. We had figs with honey chevre, olive oil, and sal de mer, Armenian cucumber salad, and eggplant parmesan. The record I got off ebay arrived today too, perfect timing to go with a perfect dinner.

Birthday Boots

2011-08-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I broke down and bought a pair of the Isabel Marant Dicker Boots even though they have a rather hefty price tag attached to them. But after some debate, I decided to return the Acne Pixel Boots I got last month knowing I wouldn't get much use out of them so I put the rest of the money towards these beauties. It definitely was a splurge but it is my birthday at the end of the month and they are practical enough to wear to work. I got them from a little shop in New York called Bird, they have great stuff and the nicest people work there. The Taupe is on sale for $75 less than the other colors; folks on ebay are asking $800 which is crazy!
Bird

A little family history.

2011-08-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

While skimming through Nordstjernan; a Swedish American newspaper, I came across an article about tracing your Swedish roots. Listed were a group of Swedish Genealogists who specialize in helping people find their ancestors that emmigrated to the US. For kicks I emailed one of them with the name of my grandfather along with his date of birth and my great grandfather's name; she immediately wrote me back with information on my grandfather, his parents, and even their parents. They came from Stockholm to New York in 1925 and later settled in Chicago. Here is part of her first email she sent me, I was thrilled with this information.

Michelle,

I think I may have found some information about your grandfather and great grandparents.

This is information from the Swedish Passenger ship list showing Lennart leaving from Stockholm going to New York on November 21, 1925. He is traveling with his mother, Hilma which is listed below. Then he is leaving from Goteborg. This is from an index. They may have taken a ship from Stockholm and gone to Goteborg and then left from there. I would need to do some more research to verify this.

Efternamn: BLOMSTEDT
Förnamn: NILS LENNART
Ålder: 3 Kön: M
Född: 1921/1922
Församling: STHLM Län: AB
Titel/Anm: SON
Utresehamn: STOCKHOLM
Utvandrdag: 1925 11 18
Destination: NEW YORK NY
Medåkande: JA
Källkod: ST 1925:848

Efternamn: BLOMSTEDT
Förnamn: HILMA K
Ålder: 25 Kön: K
Född: 1899/1900
Församling: STHLM Län: AB
Titel/Anm: FRU
Utresehamn: STOCKHOLM
Utvandrdag: 1925 11 18
Destination: NEW YORK NY
Medåkande: JA
Källkod: ST 1925:848

Efternamn: BLOMSTEDT
Förnamn: LENNART
Ålder: 3 Kön: M - sex is male
Född: 1921/1922
Församling: Län: A
Titel/Anm:
Utresehamn: GÖTEBORG
Utvandrdag: 1925 11 21
Destination: NEW YORK
Medåkande: JA
Källkod: 116:1131:43199

Efternamn: BLOMSTEDT
Förnamn: HILMA
Ålder: 25 Kön: K
Född: 1899/1900
Församling: Län: A
Titel/Anm: HUSTRU (wife)
Utresehamn: GÖTEBORG
Utvandrdag: 1925 11 21
Destination: NEW YORK
Medåkande: JA
Källkod: 116:1131:43199

It appears that Nils Lennert's father Nils Axel may have left earlier in the year in April. Below are the ship index records.

Efternamn: BLOMSTEDT
Förnamn: NILS AXEL
Ålder: 27 Kön: M
Född: 1897/1898
Församling: STHLM Län: AB
Titel/Anm: CHARKARB
Utresehamn: STOCKHOLM
Utvandrdag: 1925 04 22
Destination: NEW YORK NY
Medåkande: NEJ
Källkod: ST 1925:353

Below is information from the 1900 Swedish Census that shows Nils Axel born in 1898. His birth date was August 11, 1898 and he was born in Katarina parish in Stockholm county or the city of Stockholm. Below is information from the 1900 Swedish Census for Nils:

Record 52545
Nils Axel
b. 1898 in Katarina (Stockholms stad, Uppland)
s.
Boy, child
Schultz N:o 10
Katarina rote 12 (Stockholms stad, Uppland)
Kyrkobokföringsort: Katarina
Place of birth (original source): Katarina Stockholms stad

Here are the other members of his household:

Blomstedt, Karl Viktor Eskil 1865 Father
(Saknar efternamn), Sofia Katarina Axelina 1867 Mother
(Barn), Karin Viktoria Josefa 1896 Child
(Barn), Viktor Herbert 1897 Child
(Barn), Nils Axel 1898 Child
(Barn), Ingrid Selma Mariana 1899 Child

Nils Axel married Hilma Karolina Molander on June 17, 1922 and Nils Lennart was born on July 23, 1922 in Katarina parish in Stockholm. The original birth record is on the National Swedish Archives website which is a subscription site.

Meena Monday

2011-08-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my little kitten is all grown up.

Sunday Treasures

2011-08-07T21:56:00.001-07:00

I picked up these Arabia Finland cups and saucers yesterday at a sidewalk sale for $5, the apple and pear dish towels came from the Crate and Barrel outlet and were $2.50 each, and the blue striped rug was $3 at Ikea. The Sagaform canister wasn't that cheap but I had to have it.

Lucy and Ruth

2011-08-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Mountain View Cemetery

2011-08-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

After spending time in the rose gardens last Sunday we stopped by the Mountain View Cemetery, baby Viktor wore his Black Sabbath onesie just for the occasion. What a beautiful graveyard, I felt like I was in Europe. I have more film to get developed but here are a few pictures I took.

My Pad

2011-08-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Got some new curtains this past weekend at Ikea which really brighten up my living room and hung up an old shelf that had been laying around. My apartment is really looking clean and nice these days.

Rose Garden

2011-08-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Went to the rose gardens in Oakland yesterday, I could sit there sipping tea all day.

Sunday Treasures

2011-07-24T08:50:00.001-07:00

1. Acne Pixel Boots
2. Swedish Birds rug
3. 1970's patch
4. Demure nail polish by Revlon

A Bad Case of Acne

2011-07-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

My lovely friend Simone sent me a Facebook message last week telling me the Acne Pixel Boots were on sale; I'm still not sure if I should love her or hate her for it, the last thing I need are another pair of expensive unpractical shoes. They arrived today at my job but all the nurses I work with thought they were odd so I couldn't make up my mind if I should keep them or not. I have Europe and my credit card bill to think about. What do you think, are they keepers?

Plastic Camera

2011-07-14T23:06:00.000-07:00

I love how vintage photos look from this camera. Nothing beats analog photography.

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-09T11:35:00.000-07:00

As much as I'm a girl that mostly wears black, I love the color pink.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

I'm on a mission to get a slurpee today before I venture off to my friends place for their BBQ. There are only a few 7-Eleven stores here but there is one in the Castro which is where I'm going, hope I can come across some veggie wieners too.
Have a rockin' 4th everyone, at least those that are on my side of the pond.

Summer in the City

2011-07-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today finally felt like summer after some pretty crappy days and even rain off and on last month. The city is infamous for having cold summers afterall; Mark Twain wasn't joking when he said this, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in
San Francisco." Spending the afternoon in Dolores Park soaking up the sun was a good start to a 3 day weekend that will be filled with free outdoor concerts, beer, and whatever else may come.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

My dad was a bit of a bad ass.

Sunday Treasures

2011-06-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

Found a few cute things at a church rummage sale for super cheap. The vintage Russian slip dress I'll give to my girlfriend for her new baby girl she just adopted, and the vintage crochet magazine I'll probably sell since I'm a knitter. I love the old French sardine tins, those I picked up yesterday while out and about.

Bye Bye Biba Bye Bye

2011-06-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Biba Boots

I decided since I'm selling so much of my stuff that I either don't wear or that I don't need, it's time for these Biba boots to go.
They really need a good home as they are just too tight for my calves, I mean I've been walking up San Francisco hills for over 15 years and there's no sense keeping them around anymore if I can't wear them. I think Meena's trying to talk me out of it.

A Perfect Week.

2011-06-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

This week was completely awesome! After a multitude of interviews these past 4 months and 2 solid years of applying to jobs, I finally got hired in a new department at the hospital where I work thanks to my friend Sarah. The work week was short because of Monday being a holiday which is always nice, and I made a decent chunk of change between Etsy and ebay selling my wares. Here are a bunch of pictures from the other day hanging out in North Beach. I'm totally addicted to my phone apps.

Blog Love

2011-06-02T12:12:00.001-07:00

I love making silly blog flyers.

Sunday Treasures

2011-05-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Acne Ruiz sweater I'd been coveting finally got marked down again so I went ahead and bought it even though I'm being extremely frugal with my money so I can travel abroad at the end of the summer. I've been having serious shopping withdrawals so I thought it would be the perfect time to cash in my Bloomindales gift card; here's what I got, the All Saints Tilly Tee. This should keep me satisfied for a while at least.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone got a chance to talk to their mom's today.

Life on Wheels

2011-05-07T21:14:00.001-07:00

For kicks I created this little book of some of my old family photos, I hope it looks good in hard copy.

Happy Birthday Meena

2011-05-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday Treasures

2011-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm dying to get my hands on a red and white version of this shirt but they seem to be sold out EVERYWHERE. Just got this little black and white one in the mail from a shop in Brooklyn, I love it!
Here's a little background on Bona Drag's blog, check it out.

Edith Miller

Happy Easter

2011-04-22T16:35:00.001-07:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend.

Eye Didn't Get It

2011-04-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

After 2 long months of waiting around, I finally found out yesterday I did not get the job I wanted in Ophthalmology. I think it's for the best and am convinced an ideal opportunity will present itself to me, I just hope it's this year!
When and why has it become so difficult to get a job?

Petaluma

2011-04-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

While on my impromptu 5 day break from work to rest my hand, I road back home to Petaluma with my friend Hannah who had come to visit me in the city the day prior. She had to work but I took the opportunity to go thrifting and look at all the awesome antique shops that surround the downtown area, I forgot how cute it is there.

Resting My Paw

2011-04-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

The doctors excused me from work for the rest of the week so I could rest my hand, working at a hospital does have it's conveniences. I never would have imagined an injury could take so long to mend and EVERYTHING I do requires the use of my right hand. Guess I'll be spending some time at the park catching up on some reading...

Motorcycle Monday

2011-04-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm selling more of my vintage goodies on Etsy and ebay to fund my next European vacation. This little beauty deserves a good home.

Etsy

Sunday Treasures

2011-03-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Waffle Day

2011-03-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

March 25th is Annunciation Day of the Virgin Mary, also known as Våffeldagen or Waffle Day in Sweden. Celebrated with family and friends, Swedes gather to eat fluffy waffles with whipped cream and berries. The holiday also marks the beginning of Spring for the country.

These are the very first waffles I ever made. Not to shabby if I say so myself.

Sunday Treasures

2011-03-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

While cleaning my kitchen drawers I found this beautiful photo of my grandmother, she's the tall one in the center.

Parting With My Pucci

2011-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'm selling my 1960's Emilio Pucci slip dress if any of you skinny gals are interested.

My ebay listing: Pucci

I love going out to breakfast

2011-03-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom

2011-03-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to see you this weekend.

Feeling Blue...

2011-03-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week so far. One of the sweetest guys in the world at my work died suddenly over the weekend, my good friends are in Japan, I'm still recovering from a hand injury since January, anxiously waiting to find out if I'll be hired for a new job I interviewed for, and it's raining cats and dogs!

Queen Of The Mountain

2011-03-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

Looks like I should put my laundry away.

Sunday Treasures

2011-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Recent acquisitions include this 1960's bowl purchased for .25 at some closeout sale a few blocks from my apartment, vintage black kitten heels circa 50's or 60's, and this 1980's mug. I'm not normally a fan of anything from the 80's but I am a Virgo and have a small collection of mugs, plus it was $2.00 so I couldn't pass it up. Looks like a cross between Laurel Burch and Erte.

Pink Party

2011-03-12T12:32:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to the 5th Annual Pink Party benefitting the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund at the Clift Hotel and ended up winning a $200 gift card to a shi shi salon on Maiden Lane. Last Saturday I cashed it in and got my very first facial, it was complete bliss!

Happy Birthday Grandma

2011-03-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

wish you were here...

Moi

2011-02-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Mount. Davidson

2011-02-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I had never been up there before since I've lived in the city for so many years, and also never to have seen Dirty Harry. This definitely has significance to me since my mother is Armenian and both her maternal and paternal grandparents were forced out of their country and immigrated to the United States. Here is some history I snatched from Wikipedia.

Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in San Francisco, California, with an elevation of 928 feet (283 m). It is located near the geographical center of the city, south of Twin Peaks, Portola Drive and to the west of Diamond Heights, Glen Park. It dominates the southeastern view from most of Portola Drive. It is one of San Francisco's 44 hills, and one of its original "Seven Hills". Mt. Davidson's most notable feature, aside from its height, is the 103-foot (31.4 m) concrete cross situated on the crest of the hill. It is the site of a yearly prayer service, performed on Easter, when the cross is illuminated.

The Cross:
The first temporary cross was 40 feet (12 m) high, and erected in 1923 for a service led by Dean J. Wilmer Gresham of Grace Cathedral. A second 87-foot (27 m) high cross was built in 1924 and burned down in 1925. In 1929 a 75-foot (23 m) high wood and stucco cross with lighting was built. The same year 20 acres (8.1 ha) at the top of Mt. Davidson was purchased by the city of San Francisco for use as a park with funds donated by the Mount Davidson Conservation Committee, led by Mrs. Edmund N. "Madie" Brown. Arsonists burned down the third cross in 1931.
In 1933 Mayor Angelo Rossi, Governor and former Mayor "Sunny Jim" James Rolph, the Easter Sunrise Service Committee, and the Native Sons of the Golden West pledged to construct a permanent cross to commemorate the early California pioneers. The 103-foot (31 m) high concrete and steel cross was completed the next year with President Franklin D. Roosevelt lighting the cross via telegraph from the White House on March 24, 1934 – eight days before Easter. Sunrise services are held at the cross every Easter and were broadcast nation-wide by CBS from the 1940s through the 1970s. (According to longtime local columnist Herb Caen, the original plans in 1934 called for a cross 100 feet (30 m) high, but there was "enough concrete on hand for an extra three feet – so on it went.")
Director Don Siegel filmed a scene from the 1971 movie Dirty Harry at the cross. Harry enters the park from Lansdale Avenue, an entry close to the Muni bus stop, before confronting Scorpio at the base of the cross. According to Warner Bros. literature, Siegel was pleased to discover the huge cross at Mount Davidson Park. However, the height of the cross and foggy weather made filming difficult. Every night for a month cinematographer Bruce Surtees would ride a crane to the top of the cross only to be hampered by foggy weather. When the weather finally cleared the shot was made in one night.
The cross itself has been the subject of much debate among the residents of San Francisco as they have tried to weigh its religious role against its status as a historic landmark. In 1991 the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Jewish Congress, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued the city over its ownership of the cross. After a long legal battle and loss at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in 1997 the City auctioned 0.38 acres (0.15 ha) of land, including the cross, to the highest bidder.
The cross was purchased for $26,000 by The Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California which installed a bronze plaque at the base memorializing the victims of the 1915 Armenian genocide. On Armenian Independence Day September 23, 2007, it was discovered that the 160-pound (73 kg) plaque was missing. The original plaque was never found, and a replacement plaque was dedicated at a ceremony on April 20, 2008.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Acne

2011-02-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

To say I love my new boots is an understatement.

Sunday Treasures

2011-02-06T10:34:00.001-08:00

This past week I sold 3 things bringing the total to over $400 in sales through my Etsy store. I decided to finally buy the Acne boots I've been coveting for the past 6 months but since I haven't really been buying anything other than necessities I didn't feel guilty even though those suckers weren't cheap! My grandma always taught me you have to pay for good quality, now if only my salary was conducive to my champagne taste I'd be fine. An old friend from high school asked me the other day via Facebook if I'd sell him my belt buckle so I said sure. His name is Randy.

Lemmy

2011-02-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

Saw the film Lemmy last night at the Roxie; it was awesome, what a genuinely cool dude! Tonight I'm going to see Motorhead for the very first time, I can hardly wait.

Sunday Treasures

2011-01-30T07:40:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Barbara sent me a giant box filled with goodies and the sweetest note anyone's every written me, I was so touched.
This is just a sample of what was inside. Knitting needles, vintage books, art nouveau leather purses, personalized stationary and so on. I loved i all!

California Academy Of Sciences

2011-01-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I went to the Academy Of Sciences last night after work. Thursday nights are the best night to go because it's half price and 21+ to get in. We smoked out and then geeked out on all the critters inside, even watched one of the volunteer/docents dissect a bird. They have an albino alligator that's extremely rare and one of the staff members was explaining to us that since he is blind he's unable to live in his natural habitat or he would be preyed upon. This place is really neat and everyone there is super friendly; not to mention it's in Golden Gate Park, my favorite place in the entire city.

Ace Cafe

2011-01-26T21:06:00.000-08:00

San Francisco has it's own version of the Ace Cafe modeled after the one in London, thanks to it's British owner moving to the city in the 90's. It's a rad dive bar and even cooler is the fact it's one block from my apartment building. It's motorcycle and dog friendly.

Sunday Treasures

2011-01-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

I met my friend Randy this morning for breakfast and on my way back home stopped at a really good sidewalk sale. I found a vintage Ferragmo clutch/shoulder bag for $20 and a 1960's mushroom bowl by Kaj Franck of FINEL ARABIA for $6, complete score!

Plastic Camera

2011-01-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

For Christmas my friend Michelle who lives in Brazil sent me a plastic camera just like the ones she uses since I had been admiring her photos so much. I picked up my first roll of film yesterday that I ran through the camera so here's what I got. I went snapping pictures mostly around my neighborhood and in Golden Gate Park while walking around during my lunch break. I love the results and even more so, analog photography.

I love long weekends.

2011-01-17T18:11:00.001-08:00

and so does this little girl...

Sunday Treasures

2011-01-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went downtown to Urban Outfitters to look at their bedspreads since the pictures in their catalog look really nice but seeing them in person is a must. They were not quite as exciting up close but by no means was it a wasted trip, I managed to find a pair of T-Strap Swedish Hasbeens for only $59 and an adorable rug on sale for $20. And the kitty cat lipstick was too adorable to pass up so I'm sending it to my mom with her be-lated Christmas gifts.

Pretty Things

2011-01-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

1. Vintage Beaded Top
2. Meena
3. 1920's Louis Vuitton Suitcase
4. Tom Ford Private Blend
5. Necklace
6. Anthropologie Blouse
7. Peonies
8. Gift Wrapping
9. Tattoos

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Last night we dressed up for Roller Disco but as we got there the cops had broken it up due to a permit issue. Since there was alcohol being served they couldn't afford to have people getting hurt on skates which makes complete sense but a major let down for us, not to mention the $75 I spent on American Apparel garb. Not knowing what to do we walked up the street to look for a bar and we stumbled upon a private gallery party and the door guy liked us and let us in. There was free beer, a rad local 3 piece progressive metal band named Grayceon playing, a Pinata, loads of foxy guys and fashionable people to watch throughout the night, It was really a good time. Millie's friend invited us to her place afterwards and lo and behold it turned out she recently just moved into my building, what a small world. I hope everyone had a safe and fun evening. Happy New Year!

Roller Disco

2010-12-29T18:45:00.001-08:00

I have 2 days to find something to wear for Roller Disco on New Year's Eve. Too bad I sold my American Apparel gold leggings, and I sure don't want to spend $50 on a new pair, sigh...

FOUND

2010-12-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest things I ever found.

FOUND Magazine

Selling my wares

2010-12-28T20:15:00.000-08:00

In the past 6 weeks since opening my Etsy shop I've made over $350 selling various items that ultimately I did not need. Between having volunteered at a thrift store, worked for a clothing company, and being an avid collector in general, the amount of stuff I'd accumulated over the years was huge. Not a "Hoarders" kind of huge but too much jewelry, belt buckles etc... Now my apartment is tidier and I'm making money. Maybe I can eventually afford those Acne Pistol Boots I've been pinking for for months.
By the way, the clog boots are for sale.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.

Sketchy Santa

2010-12-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week my friend Jim sent me a link to a site filled with peoples pictures taken with the most sketchiest looking Santas.
This inspired me to have my picture taken with Santa since I haven't done so in years. Of course I couldn't leave Meena out.

Sketchy Santa

The Redwood Room

2010-12-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Last night the Plastic Surgery crew had our 2nd annual private holiday soiree at The Redwood Room. The interior was art deco with lots of wood, stunning light fixtures and giant Emerald green lamp shades. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! Check out that longhorn couch.