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There isn't much snow on the ground in the mountains. Too much for hikers, insufficient for skiers: perfect for us. With a simple picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the last pears in the fruit bowl, we enjoyed a cozy lunch sheltered on the ridge, warmed by a cheery fire.
Walking back to the car, I backtracked to retrieve a lost mitten. Standing on the trail in the sunshine, alone, I understood: snow is our new beach.
The wildfires and excessive heat did not exactly inspire a shopping bonanza last weekend at the Holiday Gift Bazaar. Regardless, I enjoyed a whirlwind weekend with dear friends and family, many of whom came to admire my wares and left with little Merry & Mod bags full of presents for themselves and others.
On Saturday evening, the old skate team reunited for dinner at La Vecchia. I enjoyed the perfect mimosa and excellent eggs florentine at Anisette the next morning, followed by my first-ever facial at Willow Spa. (I also had my eyelashes tinted. It's an indulgence, I know, but it will help you look rested, no matter how tired you may be.)
I celebrated the coming of a best friend's first baby that afternoon.
Later that evening, Kiesha and I had dinner at Mozza Pizzeria, a true Hollywood hot spot. I recommend the butterscotch budino and Nancy Silverton's chopped salad.
Returning to Oregon, I found two very welcoming little boys and one tired husband. Traveling solo was a strange emotional mixture of independence and home sickness. Happily, my family found their own creative moments without me.
They built a flying hockey stick...
and a bug house (which somehow involved the ax; I prefer not to ask questions).
It simply had to be done. I've almost exclusively worn gold for the past several years - with a few notable exceptions, such as the necklace Erick presented me after the birth of our second son.
And yet, there is something about the sparkle of silver that I love. As the temperature dropped and the leaves fell, I nestled in my studio creating the pieces below. Slowly my resistance to silver melted while one phrase persisted in my mind: ice queen.
Cool, regal, lady like, with killer style.
This winter, ladies, let's embrace our inner Ice Queen.
But we'll still be nice to each other. The holidays are approaching after all.
You could wear these, Bond girl-style, someplace fabulous.
These pieces, and more, are available in my shop. Happy shopping, your highness.
It was a family affair at Uncle K's house last weekend: apple harvest.
The week before I had finished a new woolen hat for my husband. Again, it's the skater beanie.
Perparing to leave the house I brought it out to the car along with assorted warm things for the rest of the family; my man expressed concern about not wanting to ruin it. That's a sweet thought, I replied. But I made this for you to wear and if it becomes worn out, I'll just make you a new one.
I'm glad I insisted. There is true satisfaction to be found in seeing a loved one warmed by your own handwork.
I am so excited to return to my former home...with a stash of new designs to peddle safely stowed in my suitcase. This was so much fun last year. If you're in town, I encourage you to get a kick start on your holiday shopping!
More information, including a complete list of vendors, can be found at holidaygiftbazaar.com
Ah, jewelry. How it catches the light. How it so gracefully follows your movements. How it turns an outfit into An Outfit. How chandelier earrings make little tinkling sounds as they swing back and forth, side to side.
I love it so. And while I'm tempted to keep each piece I fashion, I would never dream of being so selfish. These designs, and more, are for sale in my shop.
Note: I'm developing a line of sterling silver pieces with the same lovely assortment of gemstones and careful crasfsmanship. Look for them in the shop soon.