1157 Armada Drive, Pasadena, CA,

Open House today 1-4 pm

What else are you going to do in this rain?! Come see this house near the Arroyo in Pasadena, that's what!

1157 Armada Drive, Pasadena, CA,

3/1.5  $675,000

The House that Sam Built

Don't miss the Sam Maloof Exhibition currently on display at the Huntington.  Perfect pairing with the Getty's Pacific Standard Time!

The House that Sam Built:  Sam Maloof and Art in the Pomona Valley, 1945–1985 Sept. 24, 2011–Jan. 30, 2012 MaryLou and George Boone Gallery The furniture of midcentury craftsman Sam Maloof (1916–2009) and the art made by 35 members of his circle of friends is explored in the groundbreaking exhibition, “The House That Sam Built: Sam Maloof and Art in the Pomona Valley, 1945–1985” in the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery. Maloof’s work has been given to American presidents, collected by celebrities, and admired by art connoisseurs far and wide. It also has been the subject of major exhibitions across the country, but this will be the first to closely examine Maloof’s contribution to the development of art in Southern California. The exhibition is part of  “Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945–1980,” an unprecedented collaboration initiated by the Getty that brings together more than 60 cultural institutions from across Southern California to tell the story of the birth of the L.A. art scene. Sam Maloof in workshop with hornback chairs, about 1960. Photo: Alfreda Maloof, courtesy of the Maloof Foundation   Using as its central metaphor the home that Maloof and his wife Alfreda created for themselves in the mid-1950s in Alta Loma, Calif., “The House That Sam Built” and the accompanying catalog will shed new light on the rich network of influences and exchanges that developed among a postwar community of artists and artisans living near the college town of Claremont. The presence in Claremont of several nationally prominent educational institutions—in particular Pomona College, Scripps College, and Claremont Graduate School (now known as Claremont Graduate University)—furnished a rich intellectual context for this community. Covering a dynamic period in American art, the exhibition spans the development of Maloof’s work from his earliest explorations of handcrafted furniture in the 1950s to 1985, the year he received a “Genius Grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Sam Maloof (1916 – 2009), Double Music Stand (1969) and Chair (1972), Brazilian Rosewood Stand: 44 ½ x 51 x 30 ½ in.; chair: 29 x 24 x 18 ¾ in. Collection of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts, Alta Loma, Calif. Credit: John Sullivan, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens.  “The House That Sam Built” gathers together 116 works from private and public collections, showcasing 35 important Maloof pieces in a display along with 81 works by his friends and colleagues. Among the members of Maloof’s circle represented in the exhibition are painters Karl Benjamin, Phil Dike, and Millard Sheets; sculptors Betty Davenport Ford, Albert Stewart, and John Svenson; ceramists Harrison McIntosh and Otto and Gertrud Natzler; enamelists Jean and Arthur Ames; wood turner Bob Stocksdale; and fiber artist Kay Sekimachi.    Born in Chino, Calif., in 1916 to parents who had emigrated from Lebanon, Sam Maloof was self taught as a woodworker. After serving in the Army during World War II, he worked as a studio assistant to Millard Sheets, an iconic California scene painter and leader of the Claremont art community. Shortly after his marriage to Alfreda Ward in 1948, Maloof decided to embark on a career as a woodworker and furniture maker. Maloof’s dedication to virtuosity in his craft and insistence on maintaining direct relationships with his clients is similar to 18th-century traditions practiced by American cabinetmakers and silversmiths and by the early 20th-century architects Charles and Henry Greene—all represented in The Huntington’s permanent collection galleries.     An Integrated Installation Since The Huntington first opened the Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art in 1984, decorative arts objects have been displayed next to paintings and sculpture in meaningful juxtapositions. Harold B. “Hal” Nelson, curator of American decorative arts at The Huntington, adhered to this integrated approach when organizing  “The House That Sam Built.” Sam Maloof (1916 – 2009), Desk Hutch, Calif. 1970, Walnut, 71 5/8 x 43 7/8 x 21 ¾ in. Collection of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts, Alta Loma, Calif. Credit: John Sullivan, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. “The Maloof residence and workshop were filled with the finest examples of Sam’s own furniture and offered a warm and welcoming environment where creative colleagues met to share a meal, exchange ideas, and provide mutual support and encouragement,” he said. “Over the years, the Maloofs filled their home with artwork in all media by their friends and colleagues, reflecting their love of hand-crafted objects as well as their unique perspective on the world. The most natural way to tell the story of Sam and his contributions to the art world seemed to be through the integration of decorative arts and craft with painting and sculpture.” Sam Maloof (1916 – 2009), Occasional “String” Chair, 1950, Walnut, maple, and cord, 29 ½ x 24 x 33 in. Collection of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts, Alta Loma, Calif. Credit: John Sullivan, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. As visitors enter the exhibition they will be greeted by some of Maloof’s earliest furniture—a round, plywood coffee table with walnut legs; a low, radically abstract “string” chair; and an office chair made for the prominent industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss. As a suggestion of a domestic space, these works will be shown beside a group of ceramics by Otto and Gertrud Natzler, a table lamp by William Manker, and an early geometric painting by Karl Benjamin. The painting is one of two works in the exhibition by Karl Benjamin. Also featured is #4, made in 1968, a recent gift to The Huntington. Millard Sheets (1907 – 1989), Early Morning Patzcuaro, 1947-1948, Watercolor on paper, 39 x 29 ¼ in. Collection of the Sam and Alfreda Foundation for Arts and Crafts, Alta Loma, Calif. Credit: John Sullivan, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Across from this group, visitors can explore three vibrantly colorful watercolors—two by Maloof and one by his mentor, Millard Sheets—all produced during a trip the two friends took to Mexico in late 1947 and early 1948. In another section of  the gallery, paintings by Emil Kosa, Henry Lee McFee, and Milford Zornes will be placed next to a sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, and a bench. The bench is another recent gift to The Huntington. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are encouraged to view Maloof’s work as beautifully designed sculptural forms. “The House That Sam Built” includes three examples of Maloof’s classic form, the rocking chair. It also features one of Maloof’s largest and most elegant forms, a free-standing cradle. In an educational resource room, visitors can peruse letters and photographs, get a feel for the tactile quality of Maloof’s sculpted and smoothly finished work, and listen to audio recordings of members of Maloof’s circle discussing their abiding friendship and what it meant to their work. This exhibition is made possible by a lead grant from the Getty Foundation. Major support was also provided by the Steven and Kelly McLeod Family Foundation and the Windgate Charitable Foundation. Additional support was provided by the Ahmanson Foundation Exhibition and Education Endowment and the Elsie De Wolfe Foundation. Exhibition Catalog The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens has published a companion book to the exhibition, The House That Sam Built: Sam Maloof and Art in the Pomona Valley, 1945–1985. The 192-page, fully illustrated catalog chronicles the development of Maloof’s work from his earliest explorations of handcrafted furniture to 1985, exploring his achievement over those decades in a series of interrelated contexts, from his relationship to the Claremont-based art community to his leadership of the national craft movement. The House that Sam Built is edited by Harold B. “Hal” Nelson, curator of American decorative arts at The Huntington, and features contributions by Jeremy Adamson, curator of the 2001 Smithsonian retrospective on Maloof; and scholars Jason T. Busch, Jonathan L. Fairbanks, and Tia Vasiliou; as well as an interview with fiber artist Kay Sekimachi.Hardcover ($39.95) and softcover editions ($29.95) are available at The Huntington’s Bookstore & More (bookstore@huntington.org, 626-405-2142) and from booksellers nationwide. The House That Sam Built is published with the assistance of the Getty Foundation.

1886 Bar's 1 Year Anniversary Celebration

My favorite meeting place is having its 1 Year Anniversary.  Beautiful space, outdoor dining and drinking on several patio areas, mixologists that can mix it up with the best of them, tasty dinner or bar snacks, and only two blocks from my house.  Really what could be better?

I like it so much I've been known to refer to it as my second living room.

Find info on the event here - The Raymond Restaurant - 1250 South Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena.  626-441-4770.

See you there?

PS - Brunch there is amazingly tasty.

Santa Days at the Huntington Library, Art & Gardens

I know that Gainsborough isn't a picture of Santa, but it is one of the most well known images at the Huntington Library and Gardens.  Speaking of the amazing Huntington, there is always an overwhelming choice of events, classes, exhibits to see and attend, as well as just the most relaxing stroll through the gardens of your choice, but December 3 & 4 they have Santa Days for Members.  Bring your camera and take your own photo with Santa in the botanical center.  Hear holiday readings of Clement C. Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Mrs. Claus (in the flesh) at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.  Perfect for kids and those of you who are kids at heart.  If you need a snapshot for your Xmas card - perfect opportunity folks!

The event is for members only so isn't now the time to join and support this amazing institution as a member?

I'll leave you with another image of the Huntington from my favorite garden.  The desert garden.

Pasadena Playhouse Diversity Event - Blues For An Alabama Sky

Last night we attended the Pasadena Playhouse Theatrical Diversity Project's opening night celebration which featured opening night of Robin Given's starring in Blues for An Alabama Sky and honoring David DiCristofaro of Wells Fargo Bank for his leadership and support of theatrical diversity at the Pasadena Playhouse.


The food beforehand at Elements was delicious as always.  One of my favorite meeting places in Pasadena btw.  


The show was great and the intermission for the patrons and committee members was held in the beautiful library upstairs.  Such a gorgeous room and theater.  


The Diversity Committee managed to raise very close to their goal and the house was sold out.


It's your turn to get out, see the show and support California's State Theater!  You can purchase tickets on their site here.  Better yet - suscribe while you're at it.  The Arts don't carry on without your support.


PS - Sunday's LA Times Arts and Books Section had an article on the Playhouse and it's Artistic Director, Sheldon Epps.  

B-I-N-G-O

20th Annual Bingo Night

• Friday, November 4th, 2011 •

The Pasadena Foothills Association of REALTORS® Charitable Foundation proudly presents our 20th Annual Bingo Night on Friday, November 4th, 2011, 6:30 to 9:30 PM at Gray Hall, Oneonta Church - 1515 Garfield, South Pasadena. Food & Refreshments will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting local charities! 

And a fabulous time was had once again!  Yes folks, BINGO.  With the fabulous and only slightly tipsy Michaela P calling games 9 & 10, our inimitable Bacon holding 5 game cards, scads of raffle tickets and everyone at the table geared up to win, a packed house, pizza, Diane salad from Green Street, wine and cookies, how could we not?  And, drum roll please, we had a winner at our table.  The lucky gal was our very own Carol L.  Taking home her new Razor Scooter.  Yes folks you can see her driving around the reservoir in Silver Lake on her shiny new, 10 mile an hour, Razor.  Hot stuff indeed!

The $ raised goes to the PFAR Charities and you can read about it here.

If you'd like to be one of the lucky few - I have a table of 10 every fall....it's stupid fun.  For real.

BINGO!

Sneak Peak! Ultra modern condo in Pasadena's South Lake District

Presented by Jennifer Parker-Stanton | 160 S. Hudson Ave #209, Pasadena Ca 9101

Ultra Modern urban condo located in the midst of Pasadena’s South Lake Business and Playhouse districts.  The split floor plan offers privacy for residents in this 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit and the many windows fill the stylish space with light.  Enjoy morning coffee on the private balcony facing Hudson in the heart of it all.  Amenities include: GE appliances, granite counters in kitchen and baths, spacious storage closet, roomy laundry area, gas burning fireplace, dual pane windows and sliding doors. Concierge in lobby 7 days a week, community gym and spa, two side-by-side assigned parking spaces, extra storage in garage for lease, secure building, built in 2004.

Offered at $449,000

South Pas Arts Crawl 2011

Come one, come all to the South Pasadena Arts Crawl!   Tonight - 5-9 pm.

Then you can have some delectable make your own concoction froyo at Menchies afterwards. Yum.

Art Night Pasadena - October 14th

Friday, October 14, 2011, 6-10 PM


Get ready everyone and clear this Friday night on your calendar....it's Art Night Pasadena time!


It's free, fun and there are tons of events.  There is public transportation to make it easier to get around and there are food trucks!  Yum.

See you there?



"Enjoy a free evening of art, music and entertainment as Pasadena’s most prominent arts and cultural institutions swing open their doors. Last fall, 14,000 people experienced the excitement of ArtNight!"

Modern Houseboat

Most of you who read my blog know that I am prone to obsessions.  Mainly but not limited to the mid century modern variety.  Well I'll let you in on my latest and greatest.  And the associated hare-brained idea.

I've long been a fan of the modern shed (also modern cabana, studio shed etc) and now metro shed is making a modern houseboat.  Really?!  I'm in.  Or would it be on?

What I need is a great dock site in SoCal in a harbor or near the shore where we can go stand-up paddleboarding and then come back and watch the sunset from the deck of our amazingly fantastical modern house boat!  Can you feel me people?

My dream is to furnish it all swank and rent it out on vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner) when we aren't using it.  See?  Not hare-brained at all.  Someone please do me a favor and tell my husband that it's a great idea.

You want one too - I know it!

Bonita Interiors at the Pasadena Antique Center

I am loving this gal's shop at the Pasadena Antique Center.  She has fabulous taste, finds and recovers great pieces, and there is almost too much too look at!

You can find her at 480 S Fair Oaks - next to Gale's Restaurant (yummy but that's another post) - along with 33,000 sq ft of other dealers goodies. Only go if you have time to cruise the space and the annex further in the complex.  Angela Dickerson-Lee is her name.

Have a glass of wine and some tasty food at Gale's afterwards.  There's goes my post!

Flow Chart

Need I say more?

Airstream Dream

You probably know of my golf cart obsession from this blog, but my other love is a vintage Airstream.  One day it will be mine, but for now I just live vicariously through those who have realized their Airstream Dream.

See the recent article from Apartment Therapy - Re-Nest.

The W - Hollywood

Had a chance to have a tasty lunch of nicoise salad at Delphine's yesterday while visiting a friend who works at the W Hollywood followed by a quick tour of the Residences at the W.

Hot tip:  they are about to release new pricing for the remaining units (of which there are quite a few) and the price drop is dramatic folks.  For your stylish modern unit you get 24 hour concierge service, valet parking, roof top pool and cabanas (which they are remodeling as we speak), roof top gym (called sweat), doggy run, and access to all the amenities of the W Hotel.  Most units have great outdoor space and the North side of the building has amazing views of the Hollywood sign, the Pantages etc.

Contact me if you'd like to see them - you won't be disappointed folks.

Angelino Heights Craft Fair

For you crafty folks out there.  Craft Fair in Angelino Heights this weekend - a good excuse to explore a new neighborhood too.

Best of the Blogs List

Courtesy of my friend-in-the-know who has her finger on the pulse everywhere.  Really.
A few of my faves are thrown in for good measure.  Enjoy your reading!

ART DESIGN
http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/
http://www.christophniemann.com/
http://ffffound.com/

HOUSE
http://www.remodelista.com
http://www.brownstoner.com/
http://realestalker.blogspot.com/
http://fromscandinaviawithlove.tumblr.com/
LIFE & STYLE
http://www.thewilliambrownproject.com
http://www.katyelliott.com
http://www.momfilter.com
http://www.improvisedlife.com/
http://www.dinneralovestory.com/


WORK
http://maghaggery.blogspot.com/
http://pictureyear.blogspot.com/
http://artforum.com/diary
http://designobserver.com/



          http://thepeakofchic.blogspot.com/

http://www.terrysdiary.com/

http://awesomepeoplehangingouttogether.tumblr.com/

http://takesunset.com/

http://la.curbed.com/

http://remodelista.com/

http://realestalker.blogspot.com/

http://www.youaretheriver.com/

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/

http://bettershelter.blogspot.com/

http://www.amouthfulofkim.blogspot.com/

http://mrs-o.org/

http://totallynermal.blogspot.com/

                    http://adventureemilyclare.blogspot.com/
                   

Tourist In My Own Town

Last weekend I got to play tour guide to friends visiting from San Francisco.  They brought their younger sister from Ireland to LA for her first trip here and she was wowed.  I thought I'd spend the day showing her the sights she wanted to see and ended up seeing LA through fresh eyes.  Thank goodness for visitors!

Our route - with Rodeo Drive being the end goal:

• South Pasadena through Los Feliz to Beachwood Canyon.  Up Beachwood to the top to get the vista of the Hollywood sign and the stunning view from up there.  I'd never stopped to climb to the top and was amazed like all the rest of us up there.
• Back in car, across Franklin to The 101 Diner for lunch and to see the renovation of the hotel.  Which is quite fabulous I might add and perfect for a star-struck 20 yr old as the lobby is MCModern and filled with autographs and photos of celebs.
• Down to Hollywood Blvd with a stop to stroll (not really as you can't stroll with all those people crowding you but roll with me on this) and see the stars on Hollywood Blvd (a nod to Ray Davies here).  The topper being Marilyn's footprints.
• Away from that madness and down to Melrose for a few blocks stroll of shopping.  Wasteland was amazing!  We totally scored some choice pieces for pennies. 
• Across Melrose past Vivienne Westwood, Fred Segal, Jonathan Adler and a stop at Urth Cafe for a delightfully refreshing beverage.  Organice iced coffee granita.  Need I say more?!
• Down Robertson for a view of the potential shopping experience one could have.  Had to put her eyes back in their sockets.
• Across Wilshire to Rodeo Drive where we scored an amazing parking space from a very kind valet who shall remain nameless as it's my secret spot.
• Strolled Rodeo Drive where we went into the Prada store designed by Rem Koolhaas, Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.  Alas Chanel was closed already.  Winner of best window display?  Chanel.  Her list from our game of "if money were no object" (thanks LeFlufy!): Dior sparkly boots, Prada sunglasses, white LV bag.
• We also saw - and kicking ourselves for not photographing - the world's most expensive car.  A Bugatti.
• Back up and over Coldwater Canyon to the 134 East.

And that's how you tour LA with Danielle.  

Isn't that huge Prada suitcase amazing?!

2427 Loma Vista St - Open Today 2-4 and now cool with brand spankin' new a/c!

Tasty delights and a gorgeous home?  That's a win-win.

Sunday 7/24, 2-4 pm

Green Living

Some handy dandy energy saving, water saving, green tips for your home:

The Two-Minute Test
If you aren’t sure about the flow rate of your showerhead, you can test it using a five-gallon bucket and a stopwatch. Turn the shower on full blast (hot and cold). Place a five-gallon bucket under the shower and capture all of the flow. Fill the bucket for exactly two minutes. If your showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, the bucket will not overflow during the two-minute test. If the bucket overflows during the test, you do not have a functioning low-flow showerhead.

Shower Power 
To maximize showering efficiency make sure that you have installed a low-flow showerhead in all of your bathrooms. All showerheads manufactured in the U.S. must restrict flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less. Some models are designed to use even less water.

Natural Gas Dryers 
Consider switching to a natural gas clothes dryer, which is typically less expensive to operate than electric dryers, often by as much as 50 percent.

Get a Free Water-Saving Kit
Southern California Gas Company customers can request a free water-saving kit that includes three faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead:  www.socalgas.com/kit.

What’s Your Water Footprint?
To learn how water-intensive your lifestyle is and how to lessen your “water footprint,” visit Waterfootprint.org.

Recycling No-Nos
Here are five things, according to earth911.org, that will contaminate or thwart paper mills' attempts to recycle paper and cardboard:

• Oil and water don't mix. That large pizza box with the oil imprint will become recycled paper with an oil stain.
• Did your napkin or paper towel blot up a water spill or nail polish remover? It could have been the latter, and, for this reason, napkins and paper towels are not recyclable.
• Plastic linings added to paper products; a perfect example is paper cups.
• Wet newspapers
• Pressure-sensitive adhesives, such as sticky notes, postage stamps, and address labels.

Hang Laundry Out to Dry
Automatic clothes dryers use 6% of total electricity consumed by American homes, according to the federal Energy Information Administration. Save energy, and make your laundry smell extra fresh by putting up a clothesline, just like your grandparents did. Start simple with a few sheets, towels and pillowcases, and if you like the results, gradually do more loads.

Write Stuff
Disposable plastic pens aren’t recyclable or biodegradable. The greener choice is refillable pens, marker, and pencils. When choosing a printer, opt for an inkjet printer, which uses 20 watts of electricity versus 300 watts for a laser printer.

Check for Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. Not sure if you have a leak? Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.

Install Faucet Aerators
Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50 percent and save up to $300 per year.

Save Time, Energy in the Dryer
Add tennis balls or dryer balls to your dryer. They will speed up drying time and save you electricity.

Loma Vista Street - Price Reduction & a/c added!

 Heads up to my readers before it hits the MLS!


This turnkey bettershelter re-fashioned mid-century modern house in Central Pasadena with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths home is getting even more polished – a/c will be added this week and there is a $5000 price reduction on the way.

Open this Sunday 2-4 pm

Pasadena City Council Passes Ordinance Banning Smoking in Multi-Family Building

Earlier this month (July 11, 2011) the Pasadena City Council passed an ordinance which will ban smoking in all multi-family building. (defined as two units or more) Smoking will be banned in all common areas and within the unit themselves, including balconies or patios.
The ban goes into effect immediately for apartment units which are newly constructed or which are being leased or rented for the first time.
It will be unlawful to smoke in ALL multi-family units (including condos and townhomes as well as apartments) effective January 1, 2013.
Property owners, managers, homeowners associations, etc. will be required to post signs noting the no-smoking law but are not responsible for its enforcement. Enforcement of the ordinance will be through the city’s health department.
All lease agreements entered into after January 1, 2012 will incorporate ordinance disclosure information. All purchase agreements after January 1, 2012 are to include a reference to the ordinance and a copy of it. PFAR will be working with city staff to develop disclosure forms and information.

Questions: Laura Olhasso, Government Affairs Director at 626.795.2455.

John Lautner's 100th Birthday Events

Schwimmer residence. Photograph by Tycho Saariste

 Don't miss all the events going on around LA for John Lautner's 100th birthday celebration.  Visit the John Lautner Foundation for more info.

The John Lautner Foundation is pleased to present the John Lautner Turns 100 series this July 16-November 13, 2011. In celebration of what would have been John Lautner’s 100th birthday on July 16, 2011, the series will showcase Lautner’s extraordinary body of work while informing and inspiring the public about the importance of preserving it. Taking place in Los Angeles, California and Marquette, Michigan, programming includes exhibitions, film screenings, home tours, symposia, receptions, and more.

See what events are happening here.

Not to be missed people!!!

Open Today: 2-4 PM BetterShelter's Pasadena 2427 Loma Vista Drive

Come see it - it rocks!  3/2   $649,000  Central Pasadena near Victory Park.

2-4 Today

Loma Vista Shout Out

Thanks sold on the eastside for the shout out!

bettershelter is at it again. and this time, they’ve headed over to my home town of pasadena.
their newest baby is right down the street from victory park, and biking distance to old town pasadena for a friday night dinner and movie. it’s classic bettershelter – wide open floorplan, tons of sunlight, and a fabulous yard just in time for summer.



Open this Sunday 2-4 pm.  Get it while it's hot