Saturnfly Report

VOZ: Featured by Journey of Action

2011-09-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

VOZ has officially taken it to the next level! Jasmine and Kyra and the amazing artisans with whom VOZ works have been busy the past few months preparing our first line. Look for much more exciting news to come before year's end, including info on how/where to get your mits on the VOZ products here in the US, Europe, and South America, as well as an invitation to our official coming-out parties; one in Santiago, Chile and another in Los Angeles, CA! (YES! VOZ is coming to LA! Look out!)

For now, check out this amazing video by Journey of Action, which shines a light on the how, why, and what behind VOZ.

Gorgeous New Website is Up and Running

2011-04-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

With only 15 days left on our Kickstarter campaign, I'm super proud to show off VOZ's brand new spankin' gorgeous website, designed by Janina Lovern, the awesome artist behind Secret Agent PR's own website (which will be back up and running in April!)

The new VOZ site tells a definite story and we're proud to call it home. Obviously, we're still working out the kinks, but tell us what you think!

Now, all we need is to meet our Kickstarter goal so that we can start producing our first line of products. We're almost there, less than $1000 away from our fundraising goal. Every penny donated counts. Every e-mail forwarded on to friends helps.

Support us by donating on Kickstarter.

Thanks in advance!

Speak Change, Wear Beauty, Support VOZ

2011-03-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I spent some time working with the indigenous Mapuche people of Southern Chile. At the time, I was pretty useless; fresh out of grad school with lofty goals and few real skills. Relegated mostly to grant writing and research, I nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Ninth and grew to love the people and communities around me. I left feeling as though I could, and should, have done more. Fast forward a few years and some amazing chance encounters - not to mention several months of hard work - and finally, we're ready to do something BIG.

VOZ is a new sustainable fashion brand that I am launching in collaboration with an amazing team of rockstar women (actually, the lion share of the design and heavy lifting are attributable to the other rockstars...I just get to shout it from the rooftops!) The idea is simple. We connect traditional artisans with young designers, give traditional designs new relevance in an urban market, and provide indigenous artisans with the means to elevate their families out of poverty while preserving their cultural heritage. Think: artisanally-crafted modern threads for the socially conscious fashionista...

The process is brilliantly simple and genuinely empowering. Mapuche women artisans are invited to participate in collaborative workshops. They bring their creativity to the table and our designers work hand-in-hand with them to create new products that are simultaneously attractive to the modern consumer, but respectful of the Mapuche heritage. The women are not told what to make, they tell us what they want to make. They're paid a fair wage. And, we are creating a training program that will empower the best weavers to lead their own workshops, teaching their peers. When one considers that most Mapuche women have no other choice than to leave their rural communities to seek work in the city, VOZ offers women another avenue to make a living wage and stay close to their homes, families, and communities.

However, to make this a reality, we really need your help. Please show your support by donating what you can to our Kickstarter campaign. If we reach our goal, these funds will be enough for us to start production on our first line. (We need wool and we want to pay our amazing weavers!)

Consider your donation as a pre-order on your very own VOZ product as any donation over $50 means we'll be sending you a special reward.

If you can't donate anything, we just ask that you help us spread the word.

Please join our Facebook page and share this link with everyone you know - http://kck.st/hHFMhR
Follow us on Twitter and RT this: Speak Change, Wear Beauty, Support @madebyvoz #ecofashion -http://kck.st/hHFMhR
Forward our story and kickstarter link to your friends and family - http://kck.st/hHFMhR
Stay in touch. Sign up for e-mail updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter

We appreciate your support! Speak Change, Wear Beauty, Support VOZ!

Welcome to Huis!

2010-05-08T17:58:00.001-07:00

My mother, the globe traveling recent retiree, is finally settling into retirement and has started up her own little Etsy shop called Huis, which means "house" in her native Dutch. Basically, she's always loved to sew, knit, crochet and embroider, etc. and now that she has extra time on her hands, she's taken to experimenting and selling the good stuff on Etsy.

I snagged the prototype of the Owly Baby Blanket for Cael and can attest to high level of adorability and softness. And if you're not in to baby things, there are lots of other things to choose from, including pillows, throws, and assorted table textiles. She's just getting started so check back often to see new listings.

In addition to what you see on Etsy, she also embroiders "birth certificates" if any new parents out there are into that (framed embroidered birth record - baby name, weight, city of birth, and a custom motif).

To help launch the new store, Huis is offering a special giveaway. The first person to buy anything receives a complimentary set of Blue Vine place mats and napkins for two. Comments and feedback are welcome!

Top Green Twitterers

2010-03-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Just finished a quick post for American Express OPEN Forum on Inhabitat's Top Ten Green Twitterers. These are outstanding peeps tweeting about interesting issues. From a dude who's swimming 1,500 miles in the cold Atlantic to help teach (and fund) his students, to gumshoe journalist and a sustainable dad blogger, the list is culled from other amazing top green lists and a few of my own finds.

Feel free to comment on the site or retweet and definitely add these folks to your lists!

Food + Design Meet Again with the AIA/LA Restaurant Design Awards

2010-03-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The call for submissions is open so if you know of any great establishments that should be on the list for consideration to win either a jury award or the People's Choice this year, let them know that they have till April 30th to submit. Rules, regs, deets and deadline listed here.

The jury includes Ben Ford (celebuchef from Ford's Filling Station), Lonnie Moore (nightlife and restaurant empresario from the Dolce Group), Michela O'Connor Abrams (Publisher of Dwell Magazine), Joey Shimoda (of Shimoda Design Group), and all-around design expert Clive Piercy (of Air Conditioned).

Should be a good competition!

Photo: Bottega Louie, one of the winners of the RDAs last year

Blood Orange Tart-venture

2010-03-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

After seeing Lottie and Doof's amazing rendition of an blood orange tart, I had to take a stab at it. I think Tim's turned out much better than mine, clearly. But beyond aesthetics and the fact that I'm the world's shittiest food photographer, there's just something about the citrus and the caramel that I wasn't quite crazy about.

It's a gorgeous looking tart with golden crust and vibrant, almost graphic red oranges. But something wasn't quite there for my lowly palette. That said, the buttery crust is ridiculously good and easy to make so today I'm going to make this tart with pears instead and see what happens. It might also be great with oranges with a nice healthy coating of marmalade to sweeten things up, and perhaps served sans caramel.

If Only I'd Had a Kitchen...

2010-03-13T12:34:00.001-08:00

One of my usual stops in Paris is any one of a dozen markets. There's something intoxicating about being yelled at by vendors, sampling all varieties of olives, fruits, and other sundry goodies, the crazy smells of fresh fish, ripe cheese, and raw meat. When I lived in Paris, I'd do my weekly shopping at the big market at Barbes-Rochechuart. Unfortunately, that's a weekend market so on this particular trip I went to the Marche d'Aligre in the Marais.

This particular market is pretty cool because it's mid-week and gets way fewer tourists. There is a historic covered market area at the center of the market and a big square where the flea market is usually set up. On either side of the square stretches the long street with all the food stalls. Most of the butchers are housed under the permanent structure. And all around in the surrounding area are great bistros and boulangeries.

Strolling through the market made me wish I had a kitchen to which to retire with a basket full of purchases. Shopping here in LA - while the farmers markets and Fresh & Easys and Trader Joe's are much appreciated - is just not the same.

La Patisserie de Reves

2010-03-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

While it might appear that all I did while in Paris was go from sweet shop to sweet shop, that's not entirely true. (I interspersed patisseries with bistros, bakeries, and baby shops!) But on a jaunt down Rue du Bac, I came across quite possibly the most beautiful patisserie I've ever seen. Philip Conticini, the undisputed king of patisserie at the moment in Paris, is the proprietor of La Patisserie des Reves, translated "Patisserie of Dreams." (Damn straight.)

While Phil may be the mad genius behind the goodies, whoever designed the space itself should get props as well. Conticini's confections are deftly displayed as works of art, placed under glass vaults suspended from the ceiling. Others are arranged in a tantalizing array in the window. From brioches to mille feuilles to seasonal gateaux, this place rocks the senses.

If you're lucky enough to buy something delicious to take home, the distinctive pink pyramid packaging is enough to tell you that you're about to ingest something that belongs in the gastronomical Louvre. La Patisserie des Reves is the very definition of eye candy for the soul and for the palette. I do believe I left a few drool marks on the glass outside.

East Meets West to Make Sweet, Sweet Love

2010-03-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

I happened to book a hotel right next to Sadaharu Aoki's Vaugirard boutique. His shop is less a bakery and truly more of a boutique....(or sweet heaven on earth). White, clean and clinical, all the attention is directed naturally towards to the colorful rows of masterful and delicious desserts.

Classical french forms made with distinctly japanese ingredients. Eclairs, financiers, cookies, tablets of chocolates, rainbow colored macaroons, jams, truffles, cakes. My favorite was green tea eclair. Simple, straightforward, unpretentious and too yummy to describe. I kind of want to cry just thinking about it. Luckily, for those of us who don't live in France, Sadaharu offers an online boutique. But nothing compares to the real thing. Next time you're in Paris, go indulge.

Montmartre Moment

2010-03-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

It was a sign that I managed to fly into Paris without hitting any of the airline strikes. Luck was on my side. The clouds even cleared while I was strolling around Montmartre. Even though it's been years since I lived in Paris, it still feels kinda homey. And even though Montmartres is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the city, it's still my favorite hood. I always like being

slightly above the city (looking down on the plebes...). Even on a cold winter day, the place was packed with tourists. But yet, the charm is still there.

You can still always find a windy little side street with no one on it. A traveling musician camped out on the steep steps, belting out American tunes in a heavy but non-descript accent. Painters braving the cold on Place du Tertre, hawking their Montmartre caricatures. Ah, I just love the hood.

Weekend in the Western Highlands

2010-03-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

I'm no stranger to mountains or pretty landscape. Having grown up in Switzerland, the Alps kind of dwarfed any mountains that I've since discovered. Living in California, the foothills are a permanent backdrop to everyday life. But there's just something different about the landscape in Bonnie Scotland. I guess time has softened the lines of the Western Highlands, so while the snow capped Bens are impressive, they seem softer, less foreboding, less jagged. Frankly, the Bens just seem older and wiser. Fresh water lochs meet salt water lochs, which in turn meet the cold expanse of the sea. There's just something wildly romantic about the landscape. If I ever get around to writing a line of bodice-ripping novels, I know where I'll be sequestering myself!

Glencoe

Oban

Geese landing on Loch Lomond

Sunset on Loch Lomond

Cafe Flourish Makes Me Eat My Words

2010-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I typically only have a few cooking/eating rules. No salad is complete without a little bacon, chicken, or steak on top. Cupcakes need to be made with flour and lots of sugar. When in doubt, add cream. If something's missing, add butter.

While I totally get why people like vegan, vegetarian, and macrobiotic foods, I just can't say that I do. I've always felt a bit cheated when I've left the table after past adventures at vegetarian eateries. Something always feels like it's missing and I end up needing a taco fix. Today, however, I have to eat my words (instead of emergency tacos).

I tried a surprisingly satisfying tempeh reuben at Cafe Flourish and have to say that their organic plant-based cuisine - what I tried of it - was entirely delicious. I think I might actually have liked the Love, Rueben better than its meaty cousin, with its marinated tempeh paired with russian dressing, avocado, soy cheese and moist rye bread.

While I didn't try it, my friend ordered the Simple Pleasure, an avocado drizzled in truffle oil and topped with sea-slated grated carrots with a spritz of lemon on the side and a nori square to finish. Granted I'd eat pretty much anything drizzled with truffle oil - avocado, omelette, or paper towel, but this little dish sounds totally yum, right? Fresh, tasty, filling, AND healthy.

The gluten-free brownie was even more impressive; chocolatey and decadent. Just the way a mid-day dessert should be. The carrot cake cupcakes also looked really tempting with their perfect icing inviting a finger test. There was only one of each left in the display case by the time I thought to take a picture. By virtue of the fact that they go so quickly, you can guess how good they actually were.

While Chef Sarasai was loathe to part with her secret recipe for the amazing brownies, she actually gives occasional cooking lessons at Sur La Table at the Farmers Market for those dying to know more about her food.

So there. I admit it. I was wrong. Food that grows on one leg can actually be very tasty, even without the addition of cream, butter, or sugar.

I apologize for the shit-tastic photos but I ate the subject matter before I could shoot it. Oops.

Spunge Design: Baby Crap I Actually Like

2010-02-04T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's inevitable. Brian and I are going to have to acquire a whole bunch of things for the sprout that I never in a million years thought I'd have to find. With all the other things on my mind right now, it's kind of the last thing I want to think about, but Spunge Design's adorable handmade eco-baby blankies actually make me look forward to the whole baby crap acquisition process.

In Spunge Design's case, I really shouldn't say crap. Their blankies are really adorable, made from certified organic and natural fibers using environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing methods and super reasonably priced at just $27. Each 40" x 40" blanket boasts bright, vibrant, and cheerful designs by graphic designer, design school instructor, and modern mom Preeti Ayyangar. Flip it over to enjoy a bold solid color. Her take is refreshing and sunny and totally appeals to an adult's aesthetic as much as it does to a kid's imagination.

Check out Decor Demon to see a recent profile story and more gorgeous pics of Preeti and her pretty blankies.

Rest assured that these babies will be on our very short, sweet, and completely voluntary baby shower gift registry when (and if) I ever get around to making one.

Waiting on an Autumn Muse from Lithuania

2010-01-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

So I've solemnly sworn NOT to buy any fugly maternity clothes, and dammit, I'm sticking to it. One: I hate pastels. Two: I hate the idea of spending money on stuff I'll never wear again. Three: I love clothes and I don't want to sacrifice what little sense of style I have just because I'm gestating. So as I hit the 3-month mark and start to develop the inevitable pooch, I've been getting my Etsy fix, digging through the many amazing little shops to find some comfortable and versatile alternatives to moo moos and pastel crap with appliques. (Yes, I know maternity clothes have come a long way, but it's just the principal. No offense to any maternity clothes makers or wearers...)

I'm currently impatiently awaiting an Autumn Muse all the way from Vilnius. I love LeMuse's sexy, drapy, and totally form-forgiving designs. I imagine it will kind of be like wearing a giant sock. One that can be work with naked shoulders or without. Best part, I'll still be able to wear it after the kidlet is born. Hell, I might even be able to fit the baby in it, bjorn and sweater all in one. Very national geographic, but who knows, I might be comfortable. I probably won't look as good as this pastoral Lithuanian damsel, but I'm gonna try!

Short Note: Cube's Blood Orange Soda

2010-01-15T11:22:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, I used to frequent Cube Marketplace & Cafe for lunch. Back then when you ordered an italian soda, it was one of those lovely little San Pellegrino bottles or cans. Today, it's something altogether different and delicious. While it takes a bit more time, the folks at Cube will squeeze the oranges and serve the soda up in a large carafe; slightly frothy, skillfully mixed and perfectly pétillant. YUM. Nuff said.

Southern Fried Lunch at Larkin's

2010-01-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying that this is NOT a yelp review! I just feel like certain neighborhood joints are worthy of chronicling, and Larkin's is one of them. Every time I go to the Trader Joe's in Eagle Rock, I drive by this quaint little cottage restaurant/cafe and I keep making a mental note to go back and try it out. This week, I finally remembered and lunched at this soul food joint with a friend.

Formerly an unsightly car dealership, Larkin's now has some undeniable curb appeal. It looks more like your aunt's house than a restaurant. A wrap-around veranda accommodates smokers and brunch-ers on warm days. The interiors are equally homey with cool little details like doors doubling as tables, wallpaper in the dining room, and tin ceiling tiles. The banana leaf-shaded outdoor patio reminds me of some of the old joints I used to frequent in college back in New Orleans.

And the Southern comfort food? It's spot on. Unfortunately, even though everyone keeps telling me I'm eating for two, I couldn't fit more than one major dish on this visit, but MAN was it major. The fried chicken is amazing. I'm for serious, yo. I'm not sure if the rub is made with cornmeal but it's perfectly crunchy with a hint of sweetness. The spicy greens could make even a vegetable hater reconsider and the refreshing cabbage and apple slaw also did not disappoint. My friend had a huge dollop of very delicious looking mashed potatoes slathered in a vegetarian gravy that is apparently deceiving in its deliciousness. We washed everything down with the best sweet tea I've had this side of the Mississippi (served in jars!).

My only regret, I should have ordered some mac and cheese to test it out. I'm definitely heading back to check that out, plus the various po boy sandwiches and the selection of barbecued meats (which all come slathered in "black gold" - Larkin's trademark bbq sauce that apparently gets you right behind the ears). I must find out exactly what that means.

If you can figure out their slightly confusing hours, I'd definitely recommend this place for a leisurely lunch or a casual dinner.

I stupidly forgot to take photos of the food...

Chocolate Salty Balls, That's Right

2010-01-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Deep thanks to Trader Joe's for teaching me that I was wrong about nuts. When transformed into chocolate salty balls by the right combination of coverings (ie - chocolate and salt), they're pretty damn good. Since being preggers, I tend to get stupid when my blood sugar plunges below a certain level, so to avoid hunger pangs and sudden onsets of stupidity, I've taken to squirreling (pun intended) these delectable nuts in my pockets, handbag, and car.

The sea salt and turbinado almonds are my all-time faves. The salt and sugar are the perfect complement to the part that I like least, which is the nut. Altogether, a scrumptious biteful. They taste good combined with cheese too, so are probably a great addition to a party table.

My other favorite are the chipotle chocolate hazelnuts. Spiced like a mexican hot chocolate, with cocoa and a hint of cinnamon, the flavors mix nicely with the buttery hazelnut. And just when you think it's over, there's little lingering chipotle heat. Nuts that bite. Awesome. These bad boys actually taste great stuck in a fudgy brownie too. I popped them on top of the brownie batter before baking to add a little ta-dah. Even Chef would've been proud of this particular recipe.

Looking Back at 2009

2010-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a bit of year-end book-keeping to cause a person to reflect back on the year that just flew by. Sifting through receipts, ticket stubs, and statements is like a turbo trip through 2009 and it's pretty crazy to realize how much happened in such a quick blur. Among the highlights this year...

Jaunt to the Southern Hemisphere

In January, Brian and I took a trip to lovely Brazil. The Costa Verde was magical and it was just great to get away with the hubs to find out that nothing's changed. He's still the Great White Ham, I love him for it. Besides one popped blood vessel and a few sand fly bites, the trip was absolutely amazing. Jungle treks, tropical rainstorms, sunken cities, sandy beaches, amazing food, endless cachaca... We even found out where Mr. Miyagi's been hiding out all these years. (He's totally NOT dead!)

Retirement Recon Mission in Panama

I ended up accompanying my mother to Panama a month later to see if she could indeed retire happily in Boquete, a mountain community with a climate not unlike Indonesia. I kind of hoped it would be one of those life-changing trips where my mother and I would get to know each other all over again. Something I could one day write about. I'm not sure what I'll write about it now, but I did see my mother smile for the first time in quite some time, and she got some much-deserved r+r. Panama was awesome and I wouldn't mind retiring there one day. My mother, on the other hand, opted for the armpit of the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia.

Blogging Gig with American Express OPEN Forum

Thanks to Inhabitat, I blogged all year for American Express' OPEN Forum about lifestyle. It took a bit more effort, partly because I'm still finding my voice and partly because I actually had to think like a business owner to write things that would be even remotely interesting to forum readers. It was actually a lot of fun. I regret the duds (oh, there WERE some duds), but there were also a few gems. Learned a lot and seem to have boosted my Twitter follows up to 800 as a result.

Talking Out Loud

I spoke on a Blog Out Loud panel with a bunch of amazing design bloggers. That was pretty cool. I think I drank a bit too much wine before we sat down to chat, though. Note to self, eat more food. I also worked with Bakery to do a wee video for budding creative entrepreneurs who are ready to bake up some biz through pr. Only students who sign up for Bakery's "baking course" can see it, but I'm going to dig up a link.

Blog Out Loud #4

Survived Another Year

Secret Agent seems to have survived to see another year. We've expanded our client base to include a couple of amazing international clients. We've managed to keep our clients from one year to the next, building great relationships. Not to mention throwing one hell of a party this past fall. I learned that I am most definitely a freelancer and not an entrepreneur. And, I need a clone.

Rock-n-Platinum Party at the Lofts @ Cherokee Studios, live performance by Ben Lee, going over the shot list with the photographer (ha!)

Bit the Bullet and Bought a Homestead

Probably the biggest development of the year happened mid-summer when Brian and I closed on our first home together. The only thing I'd ever truly owned prior to this was a 2000 Toyota Echo and I'm a known commitment-phobe. But it just felt right. And the views are stupid (as in amazing). I still keep expecting someone to ring the doorbell and tell us there's been a terrible mistake, that we don't actually own it. Besides the pinkish granite that the Persian developer put on all the countertops, I love love love living in Casa Tuey.

Photo shot the first night in our new house by Dan "the Head" Fagan

Turning the Page on the Next Chapter

Not that I know anything at all about numerology but rumor has it that years that end in -9 are all about endings since the years that end in -0 are all about new beginnings. For me, 2009 was year that was almost entirely dedicated to building; building up business, building up our personal lives. Basically being a busy, busy, busy bee. (Hence the dearth of posts on the nearly defunct Saturnfly Report!). But late in the year as the craziness drew to a close, Brian and I got an unexpected surprise when we found out that we're going to be parents. I still think I should have to pass some sort of a test or pull some type of a permit to become a mom, but overall I think we'll be pretty bad ass parents. Our DINK-dom might be coming to an end. But I'm hopeful to see what comes next.

Tabletop Greens That Don't Die

2009-11-08T14:01:00.001-08:00

As the holidays approach and we get ready to actually officially have company for the first time since we moved into our new house, I've been trawling the internet to find a longer-lasting alternative to cut flowers, and preferably something that will be resistant to my black thumb.

I'm a huge fan of terrariums. Nothing but a few drops of water and indirect sunlight and these mini ecosystems can really flourish. This modern Danish terrarium available on Pop Deluxe is gorgeous and would look great on the dining table or mantle, but etsy has a host of more affordable options, including these by Made by Mavis. But the last one I got, I still managed to kill everything inside.

Etsy also has other great options like these amazing preserved plant decorations by floradelsol. They're not plastic so there's still definitely some natural beauty to the elements. I love my comfort garden and have been eyeing a few other things for our next dinner party.

And if I had the time to drive out to Venice, I'd love to explore Big Red Sun's collection of sumptuous succulent offerings. They just showcased some of their work at a recent work event that Secret Agent PR helped to organize and their decorations really made the party. I'd love to get my mits on their succulent globes or one of their larger table top arrangements. One of these arrangements and you're done. For the year. They're timeless and can live as long as you take care of them.

But realistically, I should probably focus on trying to get our dining chairs delivered before Thanksgiving, so I'll probably just going with these adorable wheatgrass placeholders from Revisions Studios.

I'm just glad there are such talented and creative plant people out there so I can just click and buy!

Blog Out Loud

2009-10-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

While I'm still at best a neophyte blogger, I'm thrilled to be participating in Blog Out Loud's next event at DWR on Nov. 4. Sitting on a panel with the likes of Alissa Walker (Gelatobaby, Fast Company), Laure Joliet (Apartment Therapy, Dwell, At Home at Home), Gregory Han (Apartment Therapy, Unplggd) and Emily Goligoski (Sanfranista, Notes on Design) is pretty exciting. We'll be talking about a host of different things, like finding our voices, how we got into it, how we keep up with it, why we even do it, all that good stuff. My angle on it being slightly different since I'm from the dark side.....(PR).

Blog Out Loud organizes these blogger town halls regularly mainly for people who are interested in blogging themselves, putting a face to the monikers and kind of offering an inside look at the ever-expanding world of blogging. Basically, they promote self-expression through blogging.

The best part? Since organizers Megan and Rebecca have great design taste and connections, the goodie bags are always AWESOME. If you plan on attending this event, be sure to snag one. Secret Agent client Amenity will be putting in a special modern organic goodie for all attendees.

Here are the details...hope to see you there. Hecklers welcome.

About Hiring...

2009-10-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months, I've been blogging for American Express' OPEN Forum as a "Lifestyle Expert" for Inhabitat. The topic is generally supposed to be "lifestyle" with a green tinge (since that's what we know about at Inhabitat), but still needs to be applicable to small business owners. Honestly, I've kind of been struggling with ideas on what to cover. Mostly because the topic is lifestyle and most of the time, I don't really think I have a life! But finally, after several essais, I think I've found the key, which is to write about my own business-related discoveries. Despite my own disbelief at this fact, I am indeed a business owner. And my business is, knock on wood, doing pretty well, all things considered. (And by "things" I mean recession.)

My last story on Hiring for the Home Office actually got a few comments (at least in the twittosphere) which was pretty rad. For the record, my new employee/intern/assistant-secret-agent has full use of a separate bathroom and doesn't seem to mind the occasional poot from Brutus.

PS. That's not my office, just a very neat and clean example of a home office. I'd share a photo of Secret Agent HQ, but then I'd have to eliminate the three people who read this blog.

Good-Byte, Fare thee Well

2009-10-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Shelley recently started a delightful and delicious little blog about Single-Handed Cooking, and it reminded me that this whole blogging thing is about enjoying yourself. This isn't a press release, or a post for an editor. This is straight up, unadulterated self-expression. That said, I'm hereby retiring the ridiculous byte system of categorization that I stupidly instituted in a lame attempt to organize my writing. Frankly, all I do all day is organize thoughts, words, and expression. The Saturnfly Report has the right to be as completely disorganized and scattered as it wants to be since I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who reads it and well, that's pretty much how my mind works anyways. A million things, all at once.

So just as Shelley's Hawaiian Ladies come out unabashedly different each time, so shall my posts from now on (though clearly never quite as delectable!)

Photo by Wade

designbyte: Second Hand Slingback

2009-07-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

I'm on the hunt for dining chairs. I have this dream that I'll be able to find eight to ten relatively matching chairs with great potential at a thrift store and save us tons of money. With my chronic lack of patience, the chances of this dream coming to fruition are slim to none, but one can hope! Upon a friend's suggestion, I checked out the Lincoln Heights St. Vincent De Paul's Thriftstore this afternoon (instead of working).

After nearly being kicked out of the thrift store for taking photos of potential candidates (who knew that the privacy rights of unwanted items were so protected?), I gave up. But the journey was not fruitless. Towards the back, I found this groovy two-piece sling back chair made from rattan and bamboo. I'm not sure if it's vintage, but it's for damn sure old. Nevertheless, after a quick bath, it looks totally at home on our otherwise unfurnished deck. We'll probably add a few bright pillows in the next few weeks.

I guess the dream is not yet dead!

travelbyte: Hogwild in Hoogwoud, The Controversy Inn

2009-07-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

I just wrote a round up of the Top 5 Eco-Hostels and Hotels for Inhabitat this week. I managed to squeeze in 6, but there are of course so many more than that. One of my favorite unsung eco-spots is the Controversy Inn in the beautiful village of Hoogwoud, Holland.

Housed in two trams that used to travel the streets of Amsterdam and some town in Germany respectively, the Controversy Inn offers four 'luxury' suites, replete with hot tub, built out of recycled, reclaimed, and found objects. The sink is a tire. The hot tub used to be a car. The bed is a lifeboat. A table was once a parking sign. Each of the four suites is themed, from Mexican to Goth (or maybe it's Purple Rain-inspired).

Apparently Irma and Frank Appel have always had a thing for cars and vehicles. The trams are situated in a field on their farm, along with several other reclaimed items. Irma and Frank's bedroom is the upper floor of an old double decker bus. Their dog (Dodge) sleeps in a tire. The donkeys (Morris and Lotus) sleep in an old city bus, and the cat (one Harley Davidson) likes to sleep on top of a Lamborghini.

(This would be the sombrero hot tub in the deluxe Mexican suite...)

(...and the Purple Rain Pimp Suite.)

travelbyte: Summer Sentence in Slovenia

2009-07-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

The virtual vacation continues. From Taiwan, we head to the gem of the Adriatic, beautiful Slovenia, for a modern penitentiary experience. The geniuses at Sou Hostel have created a backpackers paradise with Hotel Celica; budget-friendly accommodations nestled within the walls of a former prison. But a summer sentence here doesn't sound so bad. Book a cell for some privacy or bunk up with other international inmates in the main room. Bar, restaurant, and gallery on the grounds. Scary prison guards, not included.

Via New York Times

realbyte: Big Parade LA Marches from Downtown to Hollywood

2009-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

There's no better way to get to know your city than to actually walk its streets (and stairs). Be part of the urban trek this weekend and join Big Parade LA as volunteers, friends, and complete strangers storm the streets. Starting from Angels Flight in downtown LA and ending at the Hollywood Sign, the Big Parade will span 40 miles and 135+ stairs over two days.

Check out the full schedule here and join up for the whole walk, just five minutes, or hang out at the meeting spots. Sunset Blvd. is major corridor on Day One. You can catch the walk at Alvarado, end in Silver Lake, and just bus it back to your car. Or join in the afternoon on Day Two and end your weekend at the Hollywood Sign, with views of the Ennis House along the way.

Follow the entire two-day event on Twitter @bigparadela for up-to-the-milisecond tweets. Chances are they may pass by your house or your office on their urban expedition, so show your support by showering them with cold drinks or words of encouragement.

travelbyte: Kitty Scratch Fever in Taiwan

2009-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I can't actually take any big trips this summer, so to fend off the seasonal travel envy and angst I'm starting a mini virtual vacation exploring the wondrously weird travel destinations that...well...defy description. First stop? Taiwan, for a dose of Kitty Scratch Fever.

Like the fever, the fascination with Hello Kitty is inexplicably infectious, though perhaps not entirely benign. If the accessories, posters, and other accoutrements weren't enough, now travelers can literally live La Vida Rosa with Uni-Resort's Hello Kitty-themed guest villas. Strange but great find, Unusual Life and Hello Kitty Hell. We should have a South Park mountain resort in Colorado....

oddbyte: Speaking of Dead Cities

2009-07-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just read about this amazing website 100abandonedhouses.com (via the New York Times and Treehugger). A web developer and amateur photographer in Detroit has been shooting the empty and deteriorating old houses since the 1990s with his Hasselblad. It's heart-breaking to see some of these noble and gorgeous old houses just abandoned to the ravages of time.

Buy a print for $35 and a portion of the proceeds will be do

nated to Habitat for Humanity. It's your last chance to see these amazing old dames before they crumble to dust or are razed to the ground.

newsbyte: Inhabitat and Dwell Announce Reburbia Competition

2009-07-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Whether budding or jaded, Inhabitat and Dwell are calling all ilk of architect, designer, and urbanist to submit their bright ideas on how to reshape suburbia for a more sustainable future. With countless cookie cutter developments becoming relative ghost towns and whispers of the Obama administration's plans to bulldoze square miles of our shrinking cities, the death of the sprawling suburbs as we know them is nigh. So what next? Good question. If you have some ideas, this is your chance to chime in.

Learn more about Reburbia and submit your designs here. The deadline for submissions is August 1st. At stake? A cash prize of $1,000. Winners - judges' choice and people's top pick - will be published on Inhabitat and Dwell.com as well as in the December issue of Dwell Magazine.

So go forth and green suburbia,....please!

designbyte: Skate Study House Makes ID's Product of the Week

2009-07-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

Rock on, Skate Study House. Upon perusing the I.D. for the first time in a long time (ironically, I work in PR but very rarely have the time to read magazines anymore!), I was thrilled to see that this quintessentially Californian, kinda Barcelonian, maybe French design atelier made the Product of the Week. I'm that much happier since I wrote a quick story about them last year for Inhabitat! Good eye...me.

designbyte: Dwell on Design This Weekend in LA

2009-06-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Check out Dwell on Design this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center (South Hall). Besides great design programming, DoD serves up something new and delicious this year, provided you buy your ticket in advance. The home tours are sold out, but the Sunday kitchen demonstrations during Square Meal should be very enlightening. (I never have perfected the art of poaching...) Not to mention the great shopping on the floor... Even if they weren't my client, I'd totally be going this weekend!

greenbyte: Last Chance to Pimp Your Eco-Ride

2009-06-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

Inhabitat has extended their Pimp My Green Ride Bike Contest to June 24th. Win an awesome folding Strida 5.0 SX Limited, valued at $950, by simply sending in a photographic reason for why you deserve, need, can't survive without this special folding bike. Whether you have a million and one steps leading up to your house or your car blew up in a freak accident and you've since turned over a new bike leaf, take a representative snapshot and see if you could be the lucky new owner of this state-of-the-art bike.

travelbyte: From the Air

2009-06-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Why is it that American airlines are so behind the times? I'm sitting on a Virgin America flight somewhere over Pennsylvania, flying back to Los Angeles from Boston....blogging. How cool is that?

The entire Virgin experience is superior: from the slick check-in kiosks on Starck-like white tables, to the hot pink (maybe they're supposed to be red) and blue lighting, the humorous animated safety film, and the on-demand munchies. From start to finish, this airline uses sleek and modern design combined with smart technology to give each traveler an experience that feels special compared to what one gets on other airlines.

To top it off, Virgin was just rated the greenest airline by Greenopia. The company uses biofuels, has a comprehensive recycling program that hopes to divert 50% of its waste by 2012, offers travelers carbon offsets that go toward green energy generation, and has transparent environmental reporting on its website.

Clearly, Richard Branson is a genius, and I'm glad to have finally popped my Virgin travel cherry! I can't believe it took me this long.

realbyte: Anniversary at Palate

2009-04-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

While Palate did not disappoint, it's pretty much a Glendale version of A.O.C. (plus urns full of giant plastic grapes). Since Jonathan Gold happened to personally recommend the restaurant to a close friend, we absolutely had to stop by for our 3rd wedding anniversary. The meal started with a plate of delectable cheeses and progressed to homemade pickled cucumbers (which were most definitely a highlight). For the main course, we over-indulged ourselves trying four separate dishes (one of which - the steamed asparagus with egg - I am so going to deconstruct!) We lubricated our gastronomical experience with a lovely bottle of Sancerre. Delicious? Yes. Absolutely unforgettably mind-blowingly amazing? Meh. The fine wine and cheese and refined dinner portions have been done before so it's no longer surprising. But what does set Palate apart is smart retailing. They offer a library of cook books and a space where you can buy your favorite wine and cheese. Now that is pure brilliance!

green byte: Spring Greening DIY Design Contest Draws to Close

2009-04-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

Inhabitat's Spring Greening DIY Design Contest comes to a close tomorrow, April 14th, at midnight EST. The contestants this year are quite brilliant. I wrote a story about one inventive submission from San Francisco dubbed the "Live Long and Prosper" lamp. And the inner tube chair wrapped in recycled upholstery hailing all the way from Norway is pretty gorgeous too. The book book shelf also brings a touch of wit to any room (why didn't I think of that?). But I'd have to say that my favorite so far comes from Porto Alegre, Brazil where one creative - and infinitely patient - person managed to give old phone books a new life as rad new accordion coffee table. If you've got an upcycled/recycled DIY project to share, you still have 24 hour to submit your great, green creation....so go on: get greening!

designbyte: French Furniture Renaissance Comes of Age and Sprouts Moustache

2009-04-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Italians and Scandanavians are generally at the top of the design food chain, particularly when it comes to luxury furnishings. But Moustache, a new furniture company launched by Stephane Aurriuberge and Massimiliano Iorio (partners in Domestic) is about to move France up a few notches at the upcoming Milan Design Week. The First Collection which features designs by Mattali Crasset, Inga Sempe, Big Game, and Francois Azambourg seeks to attain the heritage value that objects held in the past while anticipating and fulfilling needs of a lifestyle in the future. In other words, crazy next gen French designs which maintain some connection to the past without being cheesy and nostalgic. Pretty trippy stuff that strangely blends yet contrasts with the traditional French aesthetic. In the same way that Louis XVI style furnishings still have a place today, Moustache is gambling that their designs will have the same enduring timeless appeal.

designbyte: SchubLaden Finds Mates for the UnMated

2009-04-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

If I were a lonely drawer with no mates, I would head straight for Berlin's Schubladen to find my perfect match. Located in the creative neighborhood of Kreuzeberg's Graefedistrict, Schubladen, which actually means "drawers" in german, pairs old cast-off drawers with new bodies to create superbly unique one-of-a-kind pieces in small, medium, or large sizes. The new frames are typically made from oiled MDF or oiled wood. Besides the "out of the drawer" designs, the design studio also takes custom orders. Order online or take a trip to Berlin. Shipping/airfare are not included in the prices. And the drawers? Well, they live happily ever after with their new mates. What a great find from Bloesem.

newsbyte: Postopolis in LA

2009-03-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

Great news, LA! Postopolis LA starts tonight on the roof of the Standard downtown. A martini-infused marathon of back-to-back discussions, panel talks, slideshows, films, and parties, Postopolis LA brings six leading bloggers together from different cities around the urban world to curate five days of idea-generating, mind-blowing conversation. Hosted by For Your Art in conjunction with LA Art Weekend, this impromptu creative summit promises to be exhausting and exhilarating.

This year, the hot slate of presenters was curated by:

Arch Daily/Plataforma Arquitectura - David Basulto (Santiago, Chile)

BLDGBLOG - Geoff Manaugh (San Francisco, CA)

City of Sound - Dan Hill (Sydney, Australia)

Subtopia - Brian Finoki (San Francisco, CA)

Mudd Up! - Jace Clayton (New York, NY)

We Make Money Not Art - Regina Debatty (Paris, France)

The programs are free and open the public from 5pm to 11pm every evening from March 31st to April 4th.

Transplanted to LA from New York (where it initially started in 2007), the sophomore Postopolis blogathon extravaganza promises to include art, film, music and good stuff of more international scope in addition to voices from the fields of architecture, urban design, and landscape design. Check the site for a full schedule. More news to come from the roof of the Standard!

greenbyte: Green Guerilla Propaganda

2009-03-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

If I'd known earlier (and didn't have a day job), I would TOTALLY have been down to do this. What a brilliant idea: green guerilla propaganda!

Don't forget, it's lights out tonight between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. Turning off the lights for Earth Hour a simple gesture with big meaning. Whether you choose to dine by candlelight or go check out the festivities at LA Live, this is your chance to connect with the rest of the world and VOTE EARTH.

realbyte: An Evening at Chez Jay

2009-03-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

As a resident on the 'right' side of town (the East side of LA -- not to be confused with East L.A.), I often (jokingly) slander the West side. This weekend our friends showed us such a true gem that I'm almost ready to eat my words. Almost. But not quite. After a wholly satisfying, well-priced meal of good Cal-Italian fare and a free slice of killer lemon cake at Fritto Misto, we headed to Chez Jay.

Walking in to Chez Jay's is like going back in time, as is the case with any good dive bar worth its salt, or in this case, peanuts. The walls are plastered with memorabilia from owner Jay Fiondella's adventures as a treasure hunter, actor, competitive hot air balloonist, participant on an archeological dig in the Arabian desert, and, oh yeah, a pirate ship owner. There's tons of lore about all the celebrities who have passed through the joint as well - Marlon Brando, Henry Kissinger, Leonard Nimoy (Jay's old roommate), the entire cast of NYPD Blue...

Still today, peanut shells litter the floor. Beer flows. Sinatra croons on the juke box. The booths are perfect for spending hours shooting the sh*t with friends. It's just unpretentious and chill. Not necessarily the easiest thing to find anywhere in LA.

Unfortunately, Jay died late last year and Rand seems to have leveled all the land around it. Being a visitor to those parts, I'm not sure what lies in the peanut shells for Jay's. I'm just glad we got a chance to visit before it becomes condos, a mall, or a TGIF.

greenbyte: Earth Hour 2009, 8 Days and Counting

2009-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Earth Hour 2009 is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (PST). People are asked to turn off their lights for one simple hour as their way of showing support for, well, the Earth. This year, Los Angeles is expecting to participate big time. Besides the main event, a concert at LA Live with Mayor Villaraigosa, LA landmarks such as the Griffith Observatory, the LAX pylons, Getty Center, STAPLES Center, and even (my gastrointestinal favorite) Pink's will be turning off their lights. Local entertainment venues like Groundlings, Amoeba, and The Comedy Store will host "dark performances." If you'd rather romance your date at the same time as voting for earth, several local restaurants will be offering dinner by candlelight. Check out Open Table for a full list of Dine by Candlelight participants and make a reservation. There are also rumored to be viewing parties in-the-planning as well. Check Earth Hour's LA site for a full list of activities.

Gina Rene will be singing downtown at the LA Live Concert.

Watch on a jumbotron as large swaths of the city go dark.

Shepard Fairey's VOTE EARTH poster. Come on. Turn your lights out. You don't want to be the one who votes "global warming."

designbyte: Loop Leaf Love at First Sight

2009-03-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit it. I'm an Etsy addict. So rather than bankrupt myself, I'll use these little design bytes as placebo fix. This week, I'm totally in love with Megan Auman's Loop Leaf table/ottoman/stool/objet d'art. One day when I have a house befitting of it, I would love to put one of these lovelies close to my favorite chair.

Made from laser-cut, powder-coated steel, the Loop Leaf ottoman comes in black and white. With very manageable dimensions, rounded edges, and rubber feet, it's perfect as an ottoman, bedside table, mobile stool for guests, really anything you want to make it. Technically, you could even use it outdoors, but at $750 a pop (not including shipping), that's probably not a good idea. Me wants.

If someone else buys this before I get the chance to, shut up. I don't want to know.

Byte Me

2009-03-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

This blog is going nowhere unless I get organized so if anyone actually reads this, here's the low down. Saturnfly Report information shall heretofore be presented in bytes, because as a publicist, that's all my weak mind can handle. Wee newsbytes of things that I like, covet, ate, bought, ran over, read, did, etc.

designbytes - self explanatory.

newsbytes - probably little stories that I've written or things that came about from that.

greenbytes - since I write about green design, I figure I must know something on the subject by now, at least enough to have some interesting thoughts from time to time.

travelbytes - because sooner or later will run away. And then come back to write about it.

realbytes - all things food, rediscovered recession recipes, anything to do with ingestion.

oddbytes - stuff that doesn't really fit in with anything else.

These bytes don't sting. And they definitely don't itch. And you probably won't get them all that regularly.

Tuna Belly - Simply "BasqueTaztec" Marmitako

2009-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

With renewed vigor (thanks to a kimbap fix earlier this week), I opened the freezer door tonight to find a couple of slabs of tuna belly. Since Brian has been griping of late about missing red meat, I figured I'd feed him something with enough of a sanguine hue to sate his gastrointestinal quandary (because I'm just that nice). So what does one do with tuna belly?

Since ours was probably not toro, I preferred to cook the fish very well and decided to whip up what the Basque call Marmitako. Named for the pot or 'marmita' from whence it comes, this hearty stew of potatoes, peppers, and tuna belly was traditionally made on the fishing boats (kind of like cioppino). Today it's found on almost any menu in the Basque Country.

Instead of bitter green peppers, I added very finely chopped celery and tons of green onion. I probably doubled the amount of garlic that is normally called for and substituted the suggested wine or cognac for cheap but nonetheless tasty sherry. For extra pep, I added a couple of deliciously dangerous chipotle peppers, which are essentially smoked and dried jalapenos. The fragrant and spicy marmitako was served up with oven-toasted, crusty garlic bread. Not to toot my own foghorn, but I'd say this turned out to be a fantastic BasqueTaztec soup!

Photo: Cooking Light

Kimbap to the Rescue

2009-02-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

So this thirty-odd days of fish thing is kind of a pain in the ass. (What was I thinking?) It's impossible to actually cook every night anymore, much less be creative and then document it all. Feeling uninspired but famished, I stopped by California Market seeking the answer to my gastrointestinal quandary. And lo! I walked away with tasty treats and a re-invigorated enthusiasm for creatures from the sea.

Besides a spicy octopus shilchae, a jar of pungent kim chi, and a lovely daikon salad, I got a giant and satisfying kimbap. Kimbap is essentially korean sushi - steamed rice, assorted fish or meats, cooked egg, and pickled veggies all snugly rolled up in laver (or seaweed). The kimbap I ate is not pictured here because I snarfed it down too quickly, but Just Delicious Meals has a good post on how to make it yourself.

The lesson here is check out all your local markets when you get bored of eating the same things. If you're lucky enough to live in a place like LA where you can find a pupusa for breakfast and kimbap for dinner, you'll never, ever be left wanton.

Homemade Cioppino Warms the Cockles

2009-02-19T19:45:00.001-08:00

The recent cold weather made me crave a hot and hearty soup so I decided to make a home made cioppino last week that really did warm the cockles of my heart. Comparable to bouillabaisse or bourride, cioppino is apparently a San Francisco original. Either way, it was awesomely delicious and I look forward to making it again. Our daily "catch" included cod and mussels, but you can pretty much "ciopp" anything you like up and toss it in. The secret is to use a combination of fresh tomatoes and canned tomatoes to avoid both watery and dry consistencies. And sprinkle the chili liberally. I also added a bit of cayenne to the mix as well. And a tiny drop of tabasco. (Okay, three.). Mine actually tasted as good as the first photo looks!

Wakatay - Nikkei Peruvian Gem in Gardena

2009-02-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

While visiting a friend in Gardena this week, we stopped for a late lunch at a local strip mall restaurant. Tucked away in a corner between an udon shop, a pupil-burning pink nail salon, and a Hello Kitty store, Wakatay features a traditional Peruvian menu and a selection of Nikkei Peruvian dishes, which mix Japanese flavors with Peruvian ingredients. Unfortunately for Jorge Nakamoto, the exuberant and pony-tailed owner, the local Japanese community isn't too fond of this dangerously different fusion, and the people who would totally enjoy it wouldn't otherwise venture to the Freeway City. It's actually a damned shame because the food is really tasty.

We started with a lovely, fresh dish of Peruvian ceviche. Fish, shrimp, and calamari were served with an irresistible mound of red onion, yam, corn, and cancha (crunchy roasted corn kernels). For the main course we had taiba for two, a pan-seared dish of seafood (and other meats) and vegetables in a delicious brown sauce.

The most notable was the restaurant's namesake salsa. Wakatay (or huacatay) is a variation of Andean black mint that the Incas first started cooking with centuries ago. For the salsa, it's mixed with chili pepper to create a perfectly pungent sauce in which to dip bread, fish, fingers...

For anyone passing through the Freeway City, I would highly recommend stopping by this lovely, hidden gem.

Striped Bass - So So Maryland Fish

2009-02-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Next on the weekly menu were a couple of whole striped bass. Found mostly in mid-Atlantic and Northeast US waters, there really isn't a whole lot that interesting about the striped bass (or rock fish), except that has been the state fish of Maryland since 1965 and they are believed to live up to 30 or 4o years old. Mmmm, old fish.

So, I found a simple lemon & mint recipe on Epicurious that I decided to try out. It seemed a bit dry so I mixed the left over marinade with some fish bouillon, white wine and creme fraiche to make a pretty zesty and tasty sauce. We weren't that hungry so we just ate the fish with the cream sauce and a parsley garnish, but this would have been great with cold, boiled potato. All in all, I just wasn't that fascinated by the bass. (And I was kind of weirded out by the globby veined organ I found in one of the fish.) Next!

Grouper - Who You Callin' Sweetlips?

2009-02-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

The week started with a couple of rather intimidating slabs of pink grouper. Like their cousins the sea bass, groupers have had their own share of scandal. Apparently, restaurants have been known to substitute this hefty fish with imposters on their menus, secretly serving the likes of tilapia, bream, green weakfish, and painted sweetlips (yes, that's right, there's a fish called "painted sweetlips.") The experts say that it's best to only order grouper if it's served whole, since it has a pretty recognizable shape and girth. Who knew?

Since it felt similar to red snapper in density and texture, I figured that grilling would be the best way to cook it. Feeling brave at the beginning of the week, I decided to improvise and actually came up with a pretty good recipe. I soaked the filets in vietnamese fish oil for a while rather than salting them, then coated the filets in a dry rub of turmeric, black pepper and cayenne pepper. I finished by coating them with Lousiana fish fry (which is essentially finely ground corn meal and flour). This gave them a nice crunchy, colorful, and flavorful crust. I served them up with grilled onions and a shitake risotto that I made in my trusty rice cooker that I've had since the college days, and topped everything off with an asian-inspired salsa (I say asian in jest, since really the only thing asian about this tomato + cilantro + red chili concoction was the rice vinegar). The creamy risotto went nicely with the spicy, meaty fish, and the light salsa moistened each bite. As with the Nuh-uh Nola, Hello Chola fish tacos, this hot pink grouper went great with beer.

Cat Fish - Nuh-uh, NOLA. Hello Chola!

2009-02-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

When I was an irresponsible college student living in New Orleans, there were inevitably months when my financial aid cash would be depleted before month's end on necessary school supplies (ie. daiquiris and books). Rather than survive on Stove Top as many of my classmates did, I opted for catfish. After a while, I developed a strong distaste for those whiskered bottom-feeders and I've avoided them ever since. But catfish-hater, I am no more.

The catfish, or seawolf, lives in the muck at the bottom of rivers. It's not the most noble of fish but when left in peace, they can get pretty damned enormous. A friend told me about Volkswagen-sized suckers being found in St. Louis when they diverted a part of the Mississippi, and I actually saw a documentary on the gigantic Mekong River catfish. Those things are mythical!

Seeking to rekindle some kind of a relationship with the seawolf, I tossed up some up this week in classic southern fish fry (otherwise known as flour and cornmeal). Rather than serving them up NOLA style, I went chola! (That's a shout out to my favorite demi-chola, Aunny D!). Brian fried up some corn tortillas and I made a chipotle cream sauce (sour cream and chipotles in adobo). The piping hot crunchy catfish paired with cooling shredded cabbage and a spicy, smoky cream sauce made for some pretty delicious midnight fish tacos.

The fish was crunchy on the outside thanks to the cornmeal, and soft and tasty inside. Altogether, I'd say it was one of my better late night inventions. Bad part? The fish and the tortillas had to be fried. Not so healthy...but damn they went well with cold beer. Plus, we have left over catfish frozen for the next time we have a late night craving. No better photos of the tacos themselves because we gobbled them up before I could snap a shot!

Belt Fish - The Hubei Jade Roll

2009-02-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

Since work is relentless and crazy, my entries are a bit backed up. However, earlier this week when I first initiated the "Thirty-Odd Days of Fish" experiment, I did something I've been meaning to do for a long time. I bought a belt fish from Seafood City.

Also known as ribbon fish, these poissons are long, eel-like, and toothy. Found in all oceans, they tend to live in deep waters. Apparently, the belt fish's Taiwanese cousins are said to appear following earthquakes. Fascinating, right?

So now to the important stuff: how do you eat them?

I found a pretty simple recipe from the eastern province of Hubei, China. The belt fish has lots and lots of bones, so you kind of have to slice it carefully to get the meat away from the spine. Once you do that, you end up with very thin, long pieces that you cut into segments. To each segment, I added bamboo shoots, ham (the recipe called for it, thus I don't consider this a violation of the experiment!), and scallions. Then you roll the segments up and steam them while you make a lovely sauce. I improvised slightly by adding plum wine to the steaming water which gave the fish some added flavor. I also skipped putting ginger IN the fish rolls since I hate biting into bits of ginger, and instead steamed the fish on thin disks of ginger. I also added plum wine to the broth, with shitake mushrooms, scallions, and very small bits of ginger. I served it over steamed rice with a cold white wine.

Overall, it was a pretty good recipe. At once mild but flavorful. Amazingly, the store-bought smoked ham (probably more suited for ham and cheese sandwiches) actually tasted great paired with the belt fish. (I'm sure this is actually a blasphemous combination for purists!) I loved that there were no bones to worry about. The best part was really the broth. I learned that the best part of this Chinese dish is to start with a good chicken broth (again, not a violation of the experiment) and, whenever possible, add plum wine.

Ode to Le Poisson

2009-02-06T20:32:00.001-08:00

Inspired by a few weeks of beach bumming in Brazil where our diet consisted mainly of caipirinhas, occasionally supplemented with fried fish and other deliciously prepared sea creatures, I've decided to (gulp, drumroll please.....it even pains me to type this!) give up red meat for a month. All legged-meats, actually. Any animal with legs is off the menu for a while. I'm dubbing this experiment "Thirty-Odd Days of Fish," and by fish I mean fish and crustaceans.

This experiment is also driven by the ire I feel every time I visit Seafood City where I feel like a lost babe in the woods as I wander those endless aisles of fish on ice. Belt, parrot, grouper, snapper, trout, milk, monk, yellow, etc. I haven't the slightest clue what they are, how to cook them, how to eat them, or what wine to drink with them! As a devoted foodie and amateur cook, this is incredibly annoying. It's like a million little fishies throwing down the gauntlet with their tails. Damned fish!

There's also the health question. A diet high in fish is supposedly good in warding off Alzheimers. Eating such a diet, according to one study of African tribes, also reduces the levels of a certain hormone that effects appetite. Not that I'm losing my memory or constantly hungry (ok, I'll cop to the second one!), but now that I'm getting older (I'm admitting that too!) and seeing friends around me getting sick with cancer or diabetes, I feel like any small choices that I can make on a daily basis that might improve either my or my husband's health odds, I'm willing to try it out.

So, by initiating "Thirty-Odd Days of Fish," my goals are three-fold. One: learn more about tasty sea creatures and all the ways to cook them. Two: figure out whether a high fish diet is tenable (and actually really that healthy). Three: confirm whether retirement to a deserted island is really still in the stars for me (and my somewhat discerning palette).

Beautiful Brazil

2009-02-02T21:30:00.000-08:00

Brazil was, in a word, phenome-fantas-amazing! While we only managed to explore the Costa Verde during our two week stay, but it was enough to capture our hearts completely. This energy-sufficient country is full of warm people, good food, great music, and natural wonders. While we didn't spend enough time to claim we know it at all (like the violence, the crime, the poverty, the racism), it was enough time to know we are totally in love with Brasil.

From the sprawling yet majestic Sao Paulo....

...to the picturesque isle of Ilhabela (whose jungle would not let us go until we let go and where we spent a delightful few days in a remote fishing village)...

...to the sultry, steamy and low-lying Paraty (which is something akin to New Orleans - flooding every time there is a full moon)...

...to the lively and under-rated Guaruja, with its teeming sandy beaches and raucous nightlife. We've never had a better beach experience. There's nothing like lounging under your own umbrella, having the waiter bring you endless beer and yummies, then drinking the ice cold water out of a freshly-macheted coconut when you start to get too hot.

Besides being the most relaxing holiday we've ever had, Brian and I managed to solve one of life's greatest mysteries: we found out where Mr. Miyagi's been hiding all these years!

New Year, New Look

2009-01-06T17:27:00.003-08:00

While we're on the subject of outstandingly well-designed websites, (ahem!) I have to make a shameless plug for the brand, spankin' new Secret Agent PR website. A million thanks to graphic designer extraordinaire, good friend, and crazy genius Janina Lovern of Tiny Shiny Robots. I say crazy stuff, make very vague allusions to non-existent things, and poof! She makes it happen. Check out her site to see what other delectable design offerings are available.

Vote if You're a Homie

2009-01-06T17:12:00.001-08:00

If you like good green design, then you'll be happy to know that Inhabitat and Inhabitots were recently nominated for Apartment Therapy's illustrious Homie Awards. Check out the other great nominees and vote for your favorites. Be my homie and vote for Inhabitots on OhDeeDoh and Inhabitat on ReNest. There are only a few hours left!

2008 in Review...

2008-12-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

With 2009 around the corner, it seems like as good a time as any to do a 2008 retrospective. This has been such an amazing year that I can't even imaging what 2009 might bring.

Secret Agent Launches

After years of working for the man, I finally got the courage to start my own business. Since March, Secret Agent has acquired a talented roster of clients that includes architects, interior designers, and even eco-entrepreneurs.

de LaB turns one

What started as a drinking circle among friends has developed into an official EVENT. Throwing a successful fundraiser at the neutraVDL house in Silver Lake was probably a personal highlight for me. With the success of the recent City Listeningevent in December, de LaB is hoping to become a non-profit in 2009 and to expand the fun even more!

First Foray into Public Speaking

I spoke at Loyola Marymount University at Professor Ramona Wright's PR class about the reality of pr, writing, and blogging, and shared other assorted pocket philosophies. A room full of hungry students is the toughest crowd one could ever face, but I survived! This public speaking gig ain't so bad!

The Obama-rama Green Carpet That Never Was

For the first time ever, I participated in a green political fundraiser volunteering to secure and organize the Obama Green Carpet That Never Was. It was grueling and none-too-rewarding, but at least our candidate won!

'Writing' Years of Wrong

For years I've lamented about how much I want to write, but just never acted. This year, I finally 'writed' years of wrong. Besides being a regular contributor for Inhabitat, I've been writing regularly for The Architect's Newspaper and I should have a new story coming out in Pasadena Magazine in 2009. I'm no Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, but it's definitely fun finding my own voice.

Face-time with Joseph Giovannini

It was pretty amazing meeting Joseph Giovannini in person this year, touring the Daly Lofts, and actually being able to talk to him intelligently about design and architecture. I have to admit, I was a bit star-struck.

Azure-wish

For years I've been wanting to get one of my clients into Azure Magazine, Canada's greatest export (other than Strange Brew, of course!). Finally this year, I was able to get tec into the October issue. tec was also featured in the November issue of Hinge Magazine, Hong Kong's coolest design magazine, making tec officially internationaly uber-cool.

Secret Agent HQ

A few coats of white paint and a great knock-off Saarinen tulip table from Amsterdam Modern and suddenly Secret Agent HQ is intern ready! It looks almost as cool as this!

New Secret Agent Network

Thanks to graphic designer extraordinaire, the new Secret Agent Network is finally LIVE. The new site is comprehensive and undeniably swanky.

Entering the Guild-ed Age

I'm also proud to note that during this first year, I've been lucky enough to find great freelancers to help support Secret Agent's work. Thanks to Special Agents Amy Gardner and Aunny De La Rosa.

Saturnfly Continues to Report

From activities to articles, events to edibles, Saturnfly Report continues to be a fun outlet for me. Who knew I'd have anything interesting to talk about?

Green Wedding Book Finally Hits Shelves!

2008-12-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

About a year ago, I worked with New York Times writer Mia Navarro on an un-related story. When it came up in conversation that she was working on a book all about green weddings, I couldn't help but pitch her on Brian's and my "Camp Nuptials" wedding. To my surprise (and glee), Mia actually got a kick out of our story and added us to her book, Green Wedding: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration, which hits stands in January 2009! The book is a great source of general eco-party tips, whether you're planning a wedding or an anniversary or a regular fete. Reliving our wedding has reminded me that I never sent out thank you notes! So belated thanks to everyone who made the 4-mile trek with us back in 2006. Our wedding would not have been as magical and memorable were it not for our amazing friends! Brian and I may very well plan an Arboreal Anniversary in 2011 for our 5-year! Maybe this time, we won't trust the mules with the beer!

Caipirinhas - Come to Mama!

2008-12-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

After twisting Brian's arm and finally picking lovely Brazil as the destination for our much-needed vacation, then resolving - to the best of my ability - a debacle with the tickets (never book anything on multiple airlines, it's inevitably going to be a clusterfrack), and almost forgetting to get our tourist visas (duh!), I'm ecstatic to say at last...Brasil, nos vimos!

Worth a note, the Brazilian Consulate was amazingly efficient and the clerks downright NICE compared to their American counterparts who have a knack being generally mean, condescending, and maliciously unhelpful. And that is if you are an American citizen. When you're not, it's only worse.

Precious Scandanavian Vintage

2008-12-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was skimming one of my faves, Bloesem, today and spotted the most amazing re-born vintage furniture. Norwegian furniture designer Precious takes old pieces of furniture that have seen better days, refurbishes them and gives them new life as bright new centerpieces of conversation. As a trained graphic designer, Katherine really has a knack for picking great fabrics. I covet the Ra Kokko and the lovely Bla loungestool. A set of these definitely take the blah out of a formal dining room. I also love the Silvia black board.

Inside the M Cube

2008-12-19T20:49:00.001-08:00

As I think I mentioned before, Inhabitat has been working toward posting more video content. Over the summer, we visited Mark Baez's M Cube in Venice. It's essentially a giant fiberglass and steel cube that houses six apartments. Completely prefabricated, the Cube can be built for a relatively affordable price per square foot. Designed by using traditional Tatami and imperial units of measurement, the interiors stark but completely livable. The project has received some negative attention from the local community and irate neighbors (related to its height and the photovoltaics that may one day be installed), but rather than focus on the negative, we went there to look at the design - which is all in all, positively cool. There's constant light and constant breeze, at least from what I saw when I was there. I probably couldn't survive with the size of the closets (where would I hide my Imelda-like collection of flip flops?) or the lack of walls (where would I stick all my badass decals?), but I can totally see the Cube design working as a commercial space or a college housing.

Design for the Snarky

2008-12-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year that trees and postal workers fear and dread - the season of holiday cards and obligatory gifts. Normally, it's kind of stressful. But this year, I rediscovered snarky and am having fun with the whole gifting ordeal. Check out Knock Knock Stuff's snarky paper goods. Ok, so they happen to be a client. But this is not shameless promotion, simply a friendly tip to anyone looking for cheap, funny gifts that you can order online. The desk top stuff makes the perfect gift for co-workers, moms, annoying people, other people's kids who you don't really know, pretty much anyone you might know. My personal favorites (and soon-to-be office purchases) are the poopy clips, funny folders, and the uber-useful "Pardon My French" stickies.

Happy Birthday de LaB!

2008-12-16T21:03:00.001-08:00

de Lab (design east of La Brea), an informal drinking circle of creative Eastsiders in LA who live, work, and play on the 'right' side of town, turned ONE this month! Founded initially because a bunch of us resented always having to drive to the west side for 'designy' events, de LaB has certainly evolved over the past year and we've all had a lot of fun along the way. From a fashion show at MAKE, to a design walkabout in Hollywood with Spacecraft, to a successful fundraiser for the neutraVDL, to the first-ever Out of Your Gourd Pumpkin design competition at Lettuce, to inside peeks at LA Mill, Rubbish Interiors, and M&A - we've been busily invading creative labs all over the eastside.

To mark the one year anniversary and round the year out with a reflective note, Alissa put together an outstanding cast of readers for our first-ever City Listening event at GOOD Magazine; an event that - judging by the full crowd, busy bar, and happy chattering people before and afterwards - was a huge success. We'll definitely have to do this again in 2009 so hopefully people will be inspired to pen and share their thoughts.

Here's to another great year in 2009!

Brian Joins the Blogosphere

2008-12-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

So Brian has officially joined the blogosphere this week with Aural.Audacity, an audio insider's insight on game audio in general. Borne from eighteen months of grueling hard work, sleepless nights, and blood, sweat and at times tears, his new blog is part industry obligation and part therapy. He and his team put a lot of work into stitching together a vibrant aural tapestry, which I will probably never appreciate since I don't play war games, so the blog is a great way to get a peek inside his head without getting mine shot off by a DP28. Check it out if you like sound, video games, techy stuff, or the sounds of war. With that, we're off to attend Treyarch's much-deserved wrap party celebrating Quantum of Solace and Call of Duty 5: World At War being released. Yay for Sin City!

Be Benevolent This Year

2008-12-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

My friend, the inimitable Ms. wRight, and her partners from Mozaic Media and Communications are celebrating their one-year anniversary in true cosmopolitan style with a much-deserved, much-needed, and (best of all) guilt-free par-tay that will benefit the Weingart Center (which is also celebrating an important anniversary - their 25th!). Join the festivities on December 17th from 6pm to 9pm at the lovely O Hotel downtown. For a paltry $20, you'll get to imbibe, nosh, and even hobnob. KCRW's velvety voiced, DJ extraordinaire Garth Trinidad will be spinning the evening away. Have fun and do your small part to break the cycle of homelessness downtown.

Guilt-Free Holiday Shopping

2008-12-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Inhabitat just released the 2008 Green Gift Guide. Whether you're a light green, bright green, or dark green, the new gift guide offers tons of great ideas that will surely please your friends and family. Curated according to different themes, Inhabitat sent out its intrepid writers to cover all the green shopping bases. From For Him and For Her to Handmade, DIY, and Under $20, this guide practically does the shopping for you. I researched the Under $50 category and would gladly accept anything on any of these lists from anyone (hint, hint - j/k).

COD 5: World At War

2008-12-01T23:58:00.001-08:00

Ok. It's time for a shameless plug. I'm proud to announce my handsome husband Brian's sound directorial debut with the launch of Call of Duty: World At War. While I missed him dearly during the eight months that he was holed up at work - recreating the sounds of war, blowing stuff up, shooting guns, recording Kiefer Sutherland + Gary Oldman, cutting watermelons, etc. - I'm proud of him for working on what is being largely hailed as a fun-@ss game. I, personally, have a love-hate relationship with video games. I love them when they're fun. I hate them when they steal Brian away for months at a time. However, when South Park (see episode: The Ungroundable) actually spoofed the game, I gained a new respect for the craft. I just wish I could actually play this game. Unfortunately, World at War is way too advanced, stressful and realistic for my gaming abilities. Give me Shen Mu 2 and some virtual noodle shops any day! But DAMN it sounds good. Kudos to Brian and his amazing team at TreyArch. Go forth and play the new game and let us know what you think!

Solar Vertical Lamp

2008-11-20T23:34:00.001-08:00

I just wrote a post on Inhabitat about these solar vertical lamps that we found on Yanko Design. They're essentially vertical blinds with mini photovoltaics that gather solar energy while you're away at work. When you get home, you just close the blinds to light your space with these LED pixels in the shape of table lamps, floor lamps, or chandeliers. You save tons of money on your energy bill, and they're definitely a conversation piece. The only bad thing is that you'd have to have vertical blinds in every single window....and vertical blinds are just so ugly. Still, a brilliantly simple idea.

REDCAT's Rooftop Bash

2008-11-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

I ventured out this week to REDCAT's Rooftop Bash at the Standard downtown where I learned how to spot the Artsie hipster (as opposed to the Natural, the Dilettante, the Newbie, etc.). We got there just in time to snag a pod and catch the tail end of the underwater live art installation (which looked to my art-ignorant eye like the drowning of a woman wearing a feather head dress projected onto a neighboring building). At least the cocktails were delicious and free. Never a dull night in Los Angeles.

Talking Trash & Daily Dumps

2008-11-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

As the final piece in Inhabitat's Green Home 101 series, I just wrote a story on trash and I now officially feel like I stink. It is pretty phenomenal how much crap one person (ie, me or you) can create and discard throughout the course of a day. I know Brian and I still throw out way more than we should despite our best efforts to recycle and buy bulk. It really just takes planning and forethought and a healthy dose of environmental guilt (which according to the Washington Post is going strong). With all this trash talk, I'm re-inspired to re-organize and de-clutter our house this weekend. From top to bottom, I'm hereby establishing a new system. If only we could get one of these Daily Dump clay composters from India here in LA. I so, so, so want one...

Loitokitok Bound

2008-11-10T16:51:00.000-08:00

So November 10th came around and my intrepid mother is finally off to Loitokitok, Kenya (near Mt. Kilimanjaro) with the Peace Corps. I dropped her off at the @sscrack of dawn this morning. Straight from LA to Kenya via Philly then Amsterdam. It's almost like sending her off to military service with all the rules and regulations and packing restrictions. At least they don't require a uniform or force volunteers to learn how to make wrinkle-less beds. With the current economy, I can't blame anyone for taking a two-year guarantee. I might consider public service, endoctrination, and eating beetles for that. At any rate, I can't wait to visit her next year.

Opportunity Green 2008

2008-11-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

I covered Opportunity Green this past weekend for Inhabitat, with my fellow Inhabitant Evelyn Lee. The conference brought together a great cast of thought leaders in an attempt to bridge the gap between business and design, industry and innovation, money and ideas. Here's a post to our first story and more to come later in the week.

Barack-the-Vote 2008

2008-11-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

(The vote heard 'round the world - when California came in and the election was called)

Like most free-thinking people this Election Day, I was thrilled to be part of a defining moment in history. We're all super heroes for throwing off the yoke of eight years of fear-mongering and incompetent leadership. Brian and I somehow avoided the long lines and voted in no time at the local elementary school. Kids seem to get what's happening even if adults don't. It feels great to finally be inspired, to feel like my vote may actually have counted for something, to think that people are voting with their brains rather than their bibles for a change. Who knows what the next few months will bring, but I'm hopeful. And I'm glad to have shared the moment with close friends.

Superhero mural at Allessandro Elementary School/Deep Reflections by Little Kids/Brian's un-intentionally super-patriotic shirt/Pure unadulterated joy!

Perfect Palms Prefab

2008-10-29T21:56:00.000-07:00

As part of Inhabitat's new effort to generate more video content, I visited Marmol + Radziner's Palm House in Venice, CA last week. Leo Marmol was there to give us a personal tour of what will soon be his new home. This modular prefab is sophisticated and sustainable. Most of the sustainability comes from the efficiency with which it was built, but many of the materials have sustainable traits as well. The thing that I noticed most was how little one notices one's neighbors when inside it. Despite the expansive glass walls and its proximity to bustling street life and neighbors, the Palms House is an intensely private and serene space. Too bad that peace comes with such a price. Maybe one day....Unfortunately my iPhone shots barely do it justice so for an inside peek at the house, check out the full interview with Leo in the coming weeks on Inhabitat.

Art in August

2008-08-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

This brings us up to August, I believe. In homage to Creative Intelligence's original Cultural Hookie Day, a friend and I stopped work early today to go check out two different restaurants and two different art openings. Nothing like a quadruple dose of culture in one night! (Yup. Food + wine count as culture in my book.) After nibbling at both Sila Bistro and Rush Street (which are both sound, but not enough to swoon about), we headed to Royal/T's to the "All of This is Melting" opening in Culver City. The art world may scoff at Susan Hancock as an "art market rookie" who throws money about without even remembering the names of the pieces she's bought, but if she brings attention to art & artists that people find interesting, how is that bad? The show was packed so I wasn't the only one who liked the idea of states of change. But then again, I don't know anything about art. My favorite piece of the night was the giant blue phallus. (Just kidding - it was the giant puppy.) It probably helps that Royal/T is so surreal - part tea house, part gallery, part design shop, part japanime dream sequence.

When we got kicked out, we headed downtown to the LA Art Girls Biennial Fair. My friend Marjan had a few projects showing, only one of which I caught before someone jacked part of an art installation and the gallery had to shut down early. I guess everyone thought the junkie running away with the DVD player was performance art. Fave of the night? It's a toss up between the abstract yarn web and the very spankable unicorn. I feel wholly enriched and more cultured now.

de LaB - Neutra Fundraiser

2008-08-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

Another amazing highlight in July was the successful fundraiser that de LaB threw with The Architect's Newspaper. We had a great turn out of over 100 people and we raised almost $3000 for the NeutraVDL house. Thanks to all the people and all the sponsors who helped make the party possible. I've never organized a fundraiser before, but it was actually really fun. Mostly, thanks to the amazing photographer Adam Latham who made the house and everyone in it look so incredibly sexy! To see more photos, check out our de LaB pages on Alissa's great site or on Facebook.

Make Up Your Face, Make Over Your Space

2008-08-15T00:55:00.001-07:00

I know it's August, but it's been so busy that I'm only just getting around to sorting through the photos that have been accumulating on my camera. Highlights of the month included helping my client Storm Interiors throw a successful launch party (dubbed "Make Up Your Face, Make Over Your Space") for its new subsidiary Designers Call, a company that delivers high-end interior design direct to your doorstep. Think of it as interior design house calls.

Guests stopped in for p.i.n.k. + Her (energy drink) cocktails (which were surprisingly tasty -- I'm not typically a fan of energy drinks but I downed several of these bad mamas!) and make-overs and eye brow and lash tinting treatments by Benefit Cosmetics. This led to a great evening with the ladies from Apartment Therapy LA, Abby + Laure, and a valuable observation - lash tinting is a form torture.

First Harvest

2008-08-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

With the price of gas soaring, food shortages in other parts of the world, and the general malaise this summer, Brian and I figured we should plant a garden and try our decidedly UN-green thumbs at producing our own food (or at least, a very small portion of it). So after weeks of waiting with baited breath for our seeds to blossom into little seedlings, and worrying whether our little seedlings would survive the transfer, and copious watering, and then some more waiting, our first crop was ready for harvest! We planted several different things, but the first harvest was radishes. Strangely shaped, incredibly bitter, nasty, disgusting radishes. And after all that waiting, we barely had enough to fill a spice jar. They were so bad, we had to pickle them. And even after we pickled them, they were still kind of gross. Lesson learned? Growing one's own food is way harder than it seems. Farmers rule. Radishes suck.

Life is Beautiful....and kinda funny

2008-07-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not the hippest or the most informed when it comes to modern, urban art forms. But luckily I have friends with discerning taste and private access who took me to the preview of the LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL exhibition by Mr. Brainwash, a talented French artist with a wicked sense of humor who's rumored to be the next Banksy.

The preview was packed, but we were lucky enough not to experience the four block line that others encountered once the exhibition opened. While I can't really offer criticism or praise for the exhibition, I definitely had more fun than I normally do at art openings. The exhibition was housed in the former offices of CBS on Sunset in Hollywood, giving it a very vagrant feel, as though we were all trespassing on a secret underground art society that had temporarily been squatting in the erstwhile offices. It helped that we all had teatinis in hand and live muscians were circulating, belting out jazz riffs to shake your fillings.

Mr. Brainwash has a knack for taking forms of accepted art and infusing them with a bit of modern wit. Definitely living at the intersection of pop and culture, his irreverence is palpable. Some might find it shocking or cheap. Others might find it genius. But that is the wonderful thing about art. There's room enough in life for it to be both beautiful...and funny. While I loved the artified LAPD squad car and the weird baby head flash, I think my personal favorites were his oversized sculptures, like the flying Campbells spray can and the gigantor lunch bag.

Peek inside the Penthouse Life

2008-06-10T23:24:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to catch what several visitors called "the best" abode on Dwell on Design's downtown home tour this weekend. The gorgeous double-unit penthouse in the historic, gorgeously refurbished Douglas Building downtown belongs to real estate maverick Goodwin Gaw. The Douglas Building is the first of several ambitious Downtown Properties' projects that will most likely change the face of downtown. Gaw's own space was designed by Hong Kong's Clarence Chiang. The overall Douglas Building was re-furbished by Rockefeller Partners.

Designers & Agents Green Room in Los Angeles

2008-06-10T22:44:00.001-07:00

I spent this past weekend at the Designers & Agents trade show covering the Green Room for Inhabitat. Hosted at the New Mart, the space vert was adorned by Edina Tokodi's amazing living green grafitti and filled with some of the coolest in up and coming sustainable fashion brands. My favorite were the dresses by the Stockholm- and New York-based Ekovaruhuset design collective and the eco-undies by Milk & Honey which are as delicious to wear as they sound, I'm sure. It was certainly a weekend that tested the willpower of a shopping junkie such as myself.

Y is this so cool?

2008-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

During a break in the conference, we were all offered refreshingly cold bottles of vitamin water by Eastman Innovation Lab and encouraged to participate in an communal art project, sticking the bottles together with rubber joints. The result was a tent full of strangely-shaped atomic particles and plastic "sculptures." Now, I'm a total Yves Behar fan and the bottle does sit well in the palm, however - as a friend noted very aptly - this artistic exercise still really only created a whole lot of waste. I don't think the bottles are made out of a sustainable material. You can't eat them or plant them or put them back into the cycle in any way. They're just neat to look at. Is this really the most that design can do? At least the Art Center grad is a leading advocate for One Laptop One Child and applying his design fame to make help the world a bit better. He is most definitely still a rock star. But I don't think I'm a fan of Y. Besides that, it kind of tastes like chewed up, liquified trident gum.

Serious Play

2008-05-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

This week, I was lucky enough to attend Art Center's bi-annual design conference where the theme was Serious Play. Overall, the presentations were really interesting, starting off with Tim Brown's keynote which gave a quick glimpse into what it's like to work at Ideo. His interactive ice-breaker speed-drawing exercises left me feeling completely un-creative in my decrepit adulthood, but I guess that was precisely the point. Unlike adults, kids are fearless, they never apologize for their drawings, and they naturally know how to play with their hands, role play, and just have fun before the onset of societal rules and poopy old adulthood.

After Tim, some flashy jump roping, and a juggling interpretive dancer, we all adjourned for Targetinis (cosmos), oysters on the half shell, and a very well-lit opening night party in the tent outside.

Day one started with a cosmic view of play from two guys one wouldn't immediately associate with the idea of play, astrophysicist George Smoot and Charles Elachi from JPL (it turns out that there's actually quite a lot of play involved in galactic and planetary exploration), and went on to define play with Stuart Brown. We got a sneak peek at Helen Hood Scheer's new documentary "Jump" (which explains the flashy jump roping) and Elizabeth Diller's firm's design for the High Line in New York, a sinuous public park to be built atop an old raised railway line along Manhattan's west side. The morning session ended with a fascinating discussion with Robert Lang, ex-JPLer, mathemetician, and origami artist extraordinaire. It's INSANE what this man can fold out of one piece of paper (moose, nervous bunny, and the rattlesnake of a thousand scales) and event crazier what the art of origami has actually contributed to science (solar sails, a stent for arteries, etc.)

We also got some QT with the Director of User Experience from Google, Irene Au and the founder of Second Life, a virtual world which I still don't completely understand. According to Philip Rosedale, it's only a matter of time before all information is organized, not in text form as Google presents it, but in a virtual world like Second Life. Um,...maybe. But would you really trust the info if your source was a flying guy with a swan's head and a tutu?

I can't make it to the rest of the conference but came away with a few new ideas, the urge to play and a new respect for kids. I'm going to get off line and go play with my dog now.

First Report

2008-05-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to officially launch the Saturnfly Report. If you've found your way here, then that means you came here by way of the secret link on my new website. [What do you think of it? Mad props go to Janina (www.tinyshinyrobots.com) for knowing exactly what I meant when I told her I wanted to be a secret agent!] If you're here, it probably means you're expecting some kind of reward for your discovery. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no reward. And until I spend some time writing content, there isn't much of anything. Just check back...or don't.

So here's my first (lame but earnest) post.

I was looking up photos of modern japanese architecture for a client's Q&A (the image-laden, tongue-n-cheek one-sheeter that's meant to showcase a person's creative personality) and I came across a few really striking houses. Unfortunately, I didn't catch who designed them because I was just gathering eye candy....but I will next time. I just love clean lines, good lighting and smart materials. Oh, and houses that I will never be able to afford.