Raphael's, The Small Cowper Madonna, is here in Pasadena!

Our very own Norton Simon Museum is presenting Raphael's, The Small Cowper Madonna, circa 1505.  It is on loan from the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. as part of an exchange program.  This is the first time the painting has been lent to another U.S. museum and it is our very own Norton Simon.  Feeling a bit like a proud Mama that it's here in our town.   It's here until January 24th, 2011.  Click here for more info:  Raphael's Madonna at the Norton Simon Museum  

So now is the perfect moment to sing the praises of the Norton Simon museum.  If you haven't been there yet, go now.  If you've been before but it's been a while, go again.  To me it is the most perfect museum.  It's manageable, light-filled, has an amazing collection for a smaller space, is super stylish (more on this next), the permanent collection rocks as do the rotating shows, there's a great garden with sculptures and tasty food, it's close by and....it's a great place to take out of town guests as the notion of museums usually puts them to sleep.  I guarantee you this will totally impress your guests as they can take in the collection very quickly, have a stroll in the sculpture garden, have a light meal and then they will tout your superior tour guide status to their friends when they get home.  I promise. 

 
 In 1964, Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey were hired to design the building to house Norton Simon's collections.  It opened in 1969 and the interior was redesigned by Frank O. Gehry in 1999.  The outside of the building is covered in Heath Ceramics tiles. Such a heritage! We should all be so well-designed.
Norton Simon Museum Architecture

P.S.  The current exhibition of Hiroshige: Visions of Japan is not to be missed.  Here until 1/17/11.
Hiroshige: Visions of Japan

Kono Kort

 Love.  Just pure and simple love for this gem of a residential rental.  Kono Kort.  No need to say anything else, the name says it all.  Six mid-century compact spaces with a killer sign, great location and some groovy plantings.   I think if I loved Kono Kort any more I'd have to marry it.  Maybe someone will buy it for me.  Just saying.

Better Shelter in Los Angeles Magazine!

For those of you who haven't had the luck to see one of Steve Jones' house re-dos as Better Shelter, check out the article about him in Los Angeles Magazine.  You can read about him and his styley-style on his website bettershelter.com.  Warning:  you'll be as hooked as I am!  You will need better shelter too.  don't we all?

Los Angeles Magazine Article - Betting the House

Federal Reserve's proposed home appraisal rules may not prevent inaccurate valuations

I was just talking about the issues with appraisals in this market with a potential seller the other day and came across this article in the LA Times Sunday Real Estate section this morning while enjoying my morning coffee.  The article explains the situation with the current appraisal rules very well and all sellers and buyers should take a look at it.  I couldn't explain it better myself.

See full article here: 
LA Times Article - Home Appraisal Rules

Oooooo Scary San Rafael!

Walking the dogs has now become even better thanks to the nuttiness that is Halloween in the San Rafael neighborhood.  The yards near the park are dotted with fantastic decorations - some cute, some charming and some downright fabulous!

Check out these photos of one yard.  I can't believe my dogs didn't bark at them.  They bark at that bronze coyote sculpture at One Colorado.

Another Plug for Composting

Just saw this clip about how much trash we throw away and am making another plug for composting.  See recent posting about composting bins for resources... 

http://whoknew.news.yahoo.com/?nc&vid=22530921

Thanks for doing your part!

Intelligentsia Pasadena!

Ok, so I'm late to the bandwagon!  But you must not wait, do not pass go,  get yourself straight there and enjoy the most scrumptious coffee. Truly. And before you take a sip you are invited to photograph the beauty that is your cappucino first.  I did.  And if that makes me a dork, so be it.  While enjoying the deliciousness please take in the design by MASS Architecture.  It just might become your home away from home.  See you there.

55 E. Colorado Blvd. | Pasadena, CA 91105  626.578.1270

• 6am - 10pmMonday - Friday
• 7am - 10pmSaturday - Sunday 

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Moore's Delicatessen - Run Don't Walk!

Trust me, run there before the lines are out the door.  It may be too late though.  We were lucky enough to be invited to the Friends and Family party this weekend at the soon to be open Moore's Delicatessen by the wonderful folks who own Little Flower Candy Company on Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, Christine and Robert Moore.  I love LFCC so much that I couldn't be more thrilled to be able to enjoy their tasty food when I'm in Burbank.  It's a great location for them too - right near City Hall, Macy's, Ikea, and across from the Police and Fireman's Building.  See why I said run there before it's packed?!  The menu is larger than at LFCC but still has some of my favorites.  What are those you ask?  The Green Goddess Salad, Tempeh Sandwich, and my new fave the City Hall Turkey sandwich.  Good luck to them and may one come to your neighborhood soon!