Archive for April, 2009

santa fe, nm

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

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welcome to pasquals

I recently took a long weekend trip to Santa Fe with some friends. We arrived in snow and left to the most perfect blue skies. While this phenomenon is somewhat of a regular occurrence in the west, it still has this Southern girl in awe when there are 12 inches of snow to drive through in the middle of April. Either way, it didn’t hold us back. We had one goal in mind once we reached Santa Fe; to eat and drink our weight in green chile and tequila.

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the shop of the rainbow man

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paper flowers – the shop of the rainbow man

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catrina dolls – the shop of the rainbow man

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Santa Fe has a tri-cultural feel. Blending traditions, styles, colors and menus of Native Americans, Hispanics and Caucasians. This melting pot makes for the best New Mexican style food and art. Even a new way to order green chile. Christmas style. Yeah that’s right, you get both green and red chile on the plate. Perfect for reaching the green chile goal.

Centered around the main plaza are small streets full of restaurants and shops. Some touristy, others unique.

Here are some of the ones we checked out:

The Shed: 1131/2 East Palace Ave P. 505.982.9030; classic New Mexico food-historical building. Try the green chile stew.

The Shop of the Rainbow Man: 107 East Palace Road; Santa Fe, NM; P. 505.982.8706. Here you’ll find vintage clothing, jewelry and artifacts all mixed with Native American style Pendleton wool blankets, Catrina dolls, iguanas and a large collection of Native American art.

Pasquals: 121 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, NM; P. 505.983.9340. This is a Santa Fe landmark and place not to miss. Be prepared to wait but it’s well worth it. They even have their own cook book and art gallery.

At the center of the plaza underneath the overhang vendors line up daily to sell authentic handmade Native American jewelry and small crafts. If you are looking for turquoise this is your spot. Be prepared to bargain.

Just a short drive from the main plaza you’ll find:

Maria’s: 555 West Cordova Road; Santa Fe, NM; P. 505.983.7929. A modest and unassuming white building from the outside. Something one would easily drive past without a second glance. Fortunately the food is so good we heard the rumors and made the trek. The service is straight forward, meaning someone will tell you which tequila to order for the tasting flight, trago anejo and two reposados that I can’t seem to remember the names. Yes, I blame the tequila. Also served, are warm sopapillas with honey. Oh and I almost forgot, the menu boasts over 100 kinds of margaritas.

Another great place to check out is Ten Thousand Waves, a unique mountain spa resort near Santa Fe, New Mexico that feels like a Japanese onsen. For less than $20 you can soak in the communal bath for as long as you like. Clothing is optional during the day but after 8:15PM bathing suits are required. A rule I don’t completely understand.

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Tesuque Village Market is located at the junction of Bishops Lodge Road and NM 591. P. 505.988.8848. Go on a sunny day and sit on the patio. Then be sure to work off some of the green chile you just consumed with a walk through the Shidoni Sculpture Garden: 1508 Bishops Lodge Road. P. 505.988.8001. Located 5 miles north of Santa Fe and worth the drive winding drive past rural adobes.

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mustang at the shidoni sculpture garden

This by no means is a comprehensive list. Just a few highlights from a recent trip.

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a blank slate

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

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If that title sounds like a repeat, you’ve been a good reader. In the past month kid collective has landed two design projects and both are blank slates. What a great month it’s been. While both projects are both landscape design projects, they still involve a lot of design work and I’ve teamed up with a landscape architect friend to help me work through the plants and odds and ends that are involved with designing patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and selecting plants.

James and Jess have also graciously allowed me to post the process on this here blog. Thanks you two! More updates to come as the project progresses.

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the thermals

Monday, April 27th, 2009

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I’ve been waiting to see Portland based band the Thermals live for what seems like forever. Back in January I posted about how I was hoping they would release something, anything, this year. And both wishes came true this month. On 04.07.09 they released their 4th album, Now We Can See, and last Friday night I saw them live. The best part? The wait was completely worth it. They brought the bouncing-off-the-walls-raw-punk-energy to the tiny Marquis Theater one would expect after listening to their albums. Know what’s even better? They sound great and are on tour right now. So I recommend you check out their schedule and put it on your calendar as something not to miss. You won’t regret it. Not one bit.

Here’s a little video I shot while at the show. The sound isn’t great because I snuck behind the speakers to get a better view. You know, one without dozens of bobbing heads. Normally this is something I wouldn’t do. When I decided the Thermals would be the next Music Monday’s post I became my own version of superwoman because I squeezed and bumped unapologetically past people to show you this energy. Watch Kathy Foster’s head. Her hair had me mesmerized the entire show. Props to my mom for rockin’ this killer cut back in 1989.

http://www.vimeo.com/4347321

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the new magazine

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

byb_03I’ve told you before how much I obsess over magazines. I have stacks and stacks of them. In baskets, on the coffee table, stuffed in bookshelves, on my night stand. Pretty much everywhere. I don’t know what it is about them but I can’t get enough. And this obsession isn’t new. I have been a dedicated glossy pages obsessor since about 4th grade. Now that’s commitment.

I started by collecting issues of teen, 17 and glamour. Then of course cosmo when I could get them past my mom. She wasn’t keen on the idea of a 4th grader reading tips on how to make your man happy in bed.

Whatever it is, I love them. Although I don’t have as much time as I would like to sit down and read one cover to cover and back again, I’ll take what I can get. So in honor of Earth Day, the extended version, I decided to continue the celebration and show you a few blogs that have recently come across my screen.

In this day and economy, blogs are easily becoming the new magazine. They are free to read, some are free to start and they use zero paper. The best part you ask? Instead of a monthly fix, I get a daily fix to satisfy my obsession. And that makes an addict happy, really happy.

I get my fashion photo fix at Backyard Bill. Stylish folks in their own clothes.

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byb_02I get my design fix at Dezeen. Easily one of the most popular and influential architecture and design blogs on the internet.

And now, thanks to my music loving cuz, Jojo, I get my music fix via the tree factory. As of yesterday she started writing for them. How’s that for fresh material? Their tagline? Peeling back the bark to find music under the surfaces of radio and television.

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photos: via backyard bill and dezeen

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green with envy

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

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In honor of Earth Day I though I would show you some earth friendly fashions from Beklina that I’m loving. The best part? You won’t look or feel like you’re wearing a hemp sack. Not that it’s a bad thing, just not my style. Jus sayin. Each designer has their own green story regarding manufacturing processes and materials. All are hand picked by Beklina.

Comforted by nature, inspired by design, Beklina is passionate about living at the harmonious crossroads of the two. The boutique is a three women family operation, that hand selects the best available in sustainable style. Beklina believes clothing and design can be precious, radical, nurturing, healing and wonderful.

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1. loyale solano tunic. 2. mociun shasat dress. 3. fox in mociun geometric dolman dress. 4. rachel comey ruffle sweater. 5. stewart brown racquet top.

Posted in wear | 1 Comment »

glasser

Monday, April 20th, 2009

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I just got back in town from a wonderfully fun yet exhausting weekend. Here’s the new music that will ease me back into my work week. Thanks to Gorilla vs. Bear for the wonderful rec.

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Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

and the original version for all you purists.
glasser:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

photo: by timothy murray

Posted in listen | 1 Comment »

update alert

Friday, April 17th, 2009

kid collective has gone 2006 on you. Yep, that’s right, you can now subscribe to my blog as well as follow me on twitter. More updates and changes to slowly trickle in. Including more info about what it is I actually do and maybe, just maybe a header. I might even figure out some way you can contact me!

Thanks to all of you who already subscribe, comment, twitter with me and read regularly. I feed off that stuff and appreciate any feedback. Good or bad. Have a great weekend. I’m off to Santa Fe for a weekend green chili and margaritas.

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Photo: Georgia O’Keefe courtesy of R.A.L.P.H.

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rice krispie treats

Friday, April 17th, 2009

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Here’s a little Friday treat for you. In case it’s been a while since you’ve had a Rice Krispie Treat, they are just as good, maybe even better than you remember. Three ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time and you have one pretty tasty little snack. I wouldn’t call it healthy. But they are sugary sweet.

In case you don’t remember the recipe I included it below. It’s also on the side of the Rice Krispies box.

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large sauce pan over low heat. Add the marshmellows (about 40 large) and stir until completely melted. Mix in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Spoon into 13×9 pan and let cool. Cut into squares. Enjoy.

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what is your new normal?

Friday, April 17th, 2009

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I was listening to NPR the other day and caught only part of a story, as I always do, called the New Normal. It was basically about the new economy that we are living in and what was once normal say, two years ago isn’t so normal now. Robert Siegel posed the question, what is going to be the new normal once we get past this economic crisis? Here are few responses.

1. A return to quality products as opposed to throw away items. You get what you pay for. Quality is expensive but cheap costs even more.

2. What was traditionally the golden age of retirement for people 10-20 years ago is going to change. As will the pensions, the medical coverage paid for by the company and social security.

3. When there is a sense that everything needs to count economically there may be pressure for undergraduates to shift from traditional liberal arts degrees to focus on a more practical degree like business or computer programming.

4. Technology will continue to get smaller and smaller.

All these concepts got me thinking. So I jotted down a few ideas. Then decided I couldn’t post text only. I would need some eye candy. But what exactly does normal look like? In my mind, it’s not exactly eye candy. Am I right? As I was searching for something that felt normal I stumbled upon Marc Johns and his incredibly funny and ironic drawings of normal things on post-it notes.

Feel free to chime in on your ideas of the New Norm or just laugh out loud at some visuals of what the new normal could become. At least it will take away from the serious nature of the subject. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

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1. You’ve heard the mantra reduce, reuse, recycle. Soon enough, and I’m hoping on this one, everyone will question the things they purchase. How was it made? Where did it come from? What is it made of?

2. Always be connected. The new ABC’s. You’ve all seen the add. The kid who sits at the dinner table texting through the entire meal. Soon enough that kid is going to grow up and guess what, he’s not going to one day decide he no longer wants to be connected.

3. Bigger is not necessarily better. Cars, homes, TVs. Stuff. More is not always more.

4. Get back to our roots. You’ve probably heard the term, slow food movement. Farmers markets are popping up everywhere. Eating seasonally sounds better and better and is less expensive. Maybe you’ll take a class to learn a craft. Whether it be cooking, gardening, sewing, woodworking or the many plethora of others, what ‘trade’ is it that’s you will pass down?

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Any other ideas of what this New Norm might be for you?

images: all images are from Marc Johns

Posted in ponder | 1 Comment »

nice fynde

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

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As a designer I’m often looking for something special, something a little more than just a piece that works. Did I mention it also has to have character and be something that no one else will have? Those are the trials and tribulations of some of my hours spent at the office. Often you can find me trolling around on ebay, craigslist or even 1st dibs to find that perfect something. Or better yet, trying to design said something, completely custom and within budget. This is where Fyndes steps in. They carefully curate furniture, accessories, art work and antiques. And it’s all at your finger tips. And here are a few of my favorites.

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Because these pieces are one of a kind, expect to pay more than something you’ll find at west elm, ikea or cb2. One of my tried and true tips in design is don’t buy it unless you love it. Otherwise, what’s the point of owning something you don’t love? If you love it and I’m not talking about lust or that premature crush, I mean love. Then buy it. Or save until you can afford it. Because there’s a good chance you’ll keep it for a very long time. That’s my philosophy and I’m sticking to it.

Posted in decorate | 1 Comment »

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