around san diego - San Diego eats + drinks
March 31, 2014
Say what you will about social media, but sometimes it can lead to really wonderful things, like discovering Young Hickory, a part-cafe, part-beer bar spot in North Park. I had seen an Instagram of their acai bowl, which first piqued my interest, but once I found out they brew Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, I was sold. It didn’t hurt that their logo and decor scheme are totally amazing, too.
March 28, 2014
St. Patty’s Day, the dog beach, Imperial Beach, Alchemy’s 5th anniversary party, the South Park Walkabout, and a night I managed to stay out past 11pm (shocker!) — here’s a look at March.
(And congratulations to Maggie W., who won the Acute Designs filigree headband giveaway! Thanks for playing, everyone.)
Music: “Plage” by Crystal Fighters
March 26, 2014
The cupcake pan: vehicle for delicious sweets but capable of so much more. Quick breakfasts, healthy muffins, perfectly portioned desserts—here are a few ways to make use of the totally versatile kitchen tool.
March 24, 2014
When I lived in New York, I think I bought an article of clothing or an accessory once a week. That doesn’t speak well about my spending habits, but that’s just what happens when you’re in a pedestrian-friendly city. I’d walk everywhere, pass by H&M, and walk out with something I probably didn’t need but loved nonetheless. Fashion was really important to me as a young person in a big city, working in a creative field.
But those style habits came to a screeching halt when I backpacked for a year and then moved to laid-back SoCal and began working from home. When I moved to San Diego, I was either working at the kitchen table or playing at the dog park. Plus, to grossly generalize, I felt like no one else here cared about style, so why should I?
Well now the sartorial tides have shifted. For starters, I’m working in an office (at San Diego Magazine while an editor is on maternity leave) and the motivation to dress up is so much greater. But more than that, I’m realizing that frankly, I do give a damn. And though San Diego doesn’t embody the epitome of style, there are some really stylish women who give a damn, too.
March 21, 2014
I first spotted Regina Morrison’s accessories line, Acute Designs, at beloved San Diego boutique Pigment in North Park. I loved how delicate the earrings looked—simple enough to jive with San Diego’s laid-back dress code but still unique and stylish. Once I discovered her headbands and hair pieces, that’s when I really fell in love. They’re intricate, delicate, and feminine, worn just as easily for your wedding as they are to a nice dinner out.
Regina herself is an inspiring woman. A former slave to the 9-5, she quit her day job and found her way to owning a business. A self-made woman indeed! Today she shares a peek into her creative process, which involves her two awesome dogs among other things.
And make sure to scroll all the way through: We’re giving away an awesome Acute Designs piece!
March 19, 2014
Thanks to A Pair of Pears, I recently discovered the awesome work of South African artist Lorraine Loots, and I just had to share. For every day of 2013, Lorraine decided to make a tiny painting (“for ants”)—everything from dogs to surfers to landscapes. Going into the new year, she’s continued the practice, and it’s a good thing she did—her miniature portraits are detailed, beautiful and a testament to creativity. Here are some of my favorites:
March 17, 2014
I have a weird relationship with running. I don’t particularly enjoy it, but somehow I’ve completed 2 half-marathons and 2 full. I think that speaks more to my love of schedules, regimens and checking figurative boxes, which makes me sound so free-spirited and fun. That said, I woke up Sunday morning with an immediate urge to go outside and run like the wind, preferably by the beach and before the temperature hit 90 degrees. (San Diego basically skipped winter and spring.)
I give Mission Beach and Pacific Beach (better known here as PB) a lot of flack for its red cup reputation, but I must admit, there’s such great positive energy. From runners and cyclists to skateboarders and rollerbladers, almost everyone is doing something active, and as I was reminded yesterday, living in a weather wonderland like San Diego really does make us all so happy here.
Since I’m not all that religious about running, I stopped to snap evidence of those positive vibes along the way. Here are some sunny pics to start the week:
March 14, 2014
It all started with this print. I love everything about it—the typography, the simplicity, the power of coffee! Once I spotted it on Ann-Marie’s blog, I wanted to find out who was behind it. And that’s what led me to A Pair of Pears, the blog, graphic design business and paper goods company of Jake and Jamie Bartlett of Los Angeles (clever blog name, no?).
What began as a way to stay in touch with family after they got married and moved to SoCal (a week after graduating college!) blossomed into a beautiful blog, documenting their L.A. happenings, adorable dalmatian, Pixel, and graphic design musings.
They’re honest, sweet and super talented. And I love the name Pixel for a pup. Let’s get to know them:
