Tag: travel

Humble Hippie. Cute Accessories.

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to pass along some great photos I took over the weekend in Ocean Beach. Of course, I stopped by the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue.

While sipping my Vanilla Latte I couldn’t resist doing a little more than window shopping. So much for my vow to “keep wallet in handbag”.  (I failed….)

20121008-194342.jpg

I really loved the cute hats and cozy knit scarves.  Being the thrifty shopper, I was thrilled with the prices– $19 for scarves- heaven!

Especially now with the cooler Fall weather a scarf is great to throw on with a jean jacket or light sweater.  This is the rational I used– you guessed it– I got a new scarf.  If you want to see what it looks like, check out my blog post from earlier this week.  (I paired it with a jacket I got for $31 at Marshall’s)

20121008-194357.jpg

If you’re in the market for flirty dresses, there are plenty of these too.  Maybe I’m too much into accessories these days because all I can think about is which scarf and which hat I would wear with that bright dress pictured on the right, above.

20121008-194434.jpg

The Humble Hippie was as charming as ever! I had a nice chat with the owner (Wes) this weekend too.  He sent me a couple of really cool photos that I will have to attach to this post a little later.  I’m having a slight snafu with my email tonite.  So I guess you all will have to settle for my lovely iphone-photography for the time being.

Cheers and have a good week everyone. Happy Shopping and keep me posted if any of you out there have made any recent purchases at The Humble Hippie.

Recycled Handbags. “New” to me!

Are you feeling a little short on money? Feeling bored with what you see in your closet every morning? Tired of carrying that same boring handbag?

20121001-224416.jpg

Hello Everyone! Believe me, I was feeling the exact same way– completely tired of everything in my closet. And especially bored with the handbag I’ve been carrying every single day for the past 3 months. It was my lucky day last Friday when I went to my mailbox and found a huge box filled with handbags— from my sister.  (Maybe she was reading my mind!?)

This gives a whole new meaning to the slogan “shopping in your own closet.” Pictured above is a cute Kate Spade bag with red handles which will be perfect to use on the weekend running errands. Its sturdy construction will hold up well for me since I tend to over-fill my handbag. (you guessed it, this is the one I’m using now)

Pictured below is a dark blue leather handbag from Banana Republic. This one should work well with jeans and sweaters in the Fall.  I usually like something a little more structured but since this one is a freebie I’m willing to think outside the box and give the “unstructured” look a try.

20121001-224429.jpg

Passing things on we don’t use any longer is a great way to reduce, re-use and re-cycle.  Whether we pass items on to friends, family or co-workers it doesn’t matter.  Maybe that spare handbag gathering dust in your closet could be a treasure for someone you know.

Anyone else out there sharing clothes? Handbags? Furniture?  Let me know!

Bella Moda Boutiques. More shopping in beautiful Encinitas

20120923-203504.jpg

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!  A few weeks ago I visited Bella Moda Boutique is Encinitas– I know, I’m a little late getting this post out. As you can see, lots of great clothes in a cozy location.  I actually visited this particular shop with my 17-year old son in tow.  While I was gushing over the scarves, earrings and handbags– my son was looking for the exit.  (I did my best to make it a quick trip…)

20120923-203520.jpg

I like the flowers- pictured above– and especially this bright scarf pictured below.  (I’m trying to stop myself from wearing so much black)

I didn’t end up buying anything but will likely go back for a repeat visit– this time for some serious shopping and trying-on.

20120923-203532.jpg

Located in The Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas,  Bella Moda offers the latest trends from dozens of designer brands, many exclusively from Los Angeles, including Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Tag, Ed Hardy and True Religion. You can schedule an after-hours appointment and gift certificates are available.

  • Bella Moda Boutiques
  • 967 S. Coast Highway 101
  • Encinitas, CA  92024
  • Phone: (760) 479-9879
  • Web: www.Shopbellamoda.com

20120923-203611.jpg

Here’s a picture of all the scarves I was talking about. Lots of different styles for sure.

Humble Hippie- new on Newport Ave in Ocean Beach

20120923-202729.jpg

Happy Monday! The good news 1 day down and 4 to go until Friday.  Just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous shop I visited in Ocean Beach this weekend.  I know…. more shopping… feels like I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

Saturday afternoon I happened upon the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.  The sign on the door mentioned something about “a comfortable clothing company” so… of course… I had to check it out.

20120923-202743.jpg

Long flowing skirts, scarves, vintage look t-shirts… it’s all here. I actually purchased a pretty awesome longer top with flutter sleeves to wear with leggings and boots.  (perfect for a 40-ish woman– that would be me, in case you were wondering– attempting to hide some minor imperfections….)

So, not only is the clothing quite fabulous but the store itself was a delight. All the fixtures came from stores that went out of business and the “glass” display case in the front of the store was re-purposed from 3 old doors— my recycling friends should be proud!  The hanging display (first photo at the top) was a table from Craigslist that was split into 3 sections. Even the rugs were thrifted.  Music to my ears!  I thought the suitcase display case (below) was unique– I should have asked if this was for sale.

20120923-202759.jpg

If you’re in the market for some comfy clothes with a modern hippie vibe this is the place for you. (T-shirts anyone?)  Bottom line,  I had a great time in this store– Dusty– and the owner Wes were fun and cool to chat with.

20120923-202817.jpg

P.S. you can kinda see my reflection in the door (below)…. Cheers until next time.

— Jody —

20120923-202834.jpg

Java Jungle. Hot Coffee and Cool Plants in Ocean Beach

20120923-203106.jpg

Hello Everyone! I had a great weekend and it definitely went too fast. Seriously, I could use another day off.  This morning I visited Java Jungle in Ocean Beach for a quick coffee (I forgot to purchase whole bean coffee yesterday which is what made it completely necessary to go out for a coffee).  What a nice surprise– this Java Jungle really is a jungle of sorts.  Not only yummy coffee but they have some awesome plants as well. (As it turns out– I’m not only addicted to coffee but also buying small plants)

  • Java Jungle
  • 5047 Newport Avenue
  • Ocean Beach, CA 92107
  • Phone: (619) 224-0249

While sipping my Vanilla Latte I browsed the plant collection— I found a nice English Ivy plant for $2.49– lucky day!  FYI– it looks cute on my patio and you can’t beat the price.

20120923-203126.jpg

I found a comfy seat for about 30 minutes for some people watching while I scanned the Sunday newspaper.  (I did more people watching than reading…)

Later on, after I was sufficiently infused with coffee I went for a short 4 mile hike to Sunset Cliffs. It was the perfect day.  Coffee… plants… hiking… what more could I wish for?  Cheers and sending good karma for a fabulous week ahead!

–Jody

20120923-203211.jpg

deepFling. Scandinavian Jewelry & Design

20120917-220857.jpg

“Keep Leucadia Funky”— I saw this on a bumper sticker recently and it reminded me of a recent jaunt up to Encinitas. For some reason I always end up near The Lumberyard. Originally in search of an iced coffee drink I somehow found myself in deepFling browsing the jewelry.  This shop has roots in Sweden which has special meaning for me since my son is now living in Sweden.  I can definitely appreciate the quality of the pieces I found.  Ah, the handbags…. divine!

20120917-220922.jpg

I found the quote below on the deepFLING website and couldn’t resist sharing it because it truly captures the essence of this shop. The shop exudes peace and tranquility (I got “lost” searching for jewelry and completely forgot about getting an iced coffee– this is not like me!).

About deepFLING

(dēp) To a great depth; deeply (fling) a brief period of indulging one’s impulses.
“That’s what we want each customer to feel as they visit our store; to browse the most exciting and desirable brands from Scandinavia and with our low pressure approach, they can take as long as they want to touch and try on all the different styles.” -Malin Lövqvist Doyle

Oh, and the jewelry…. wow.  I have blue eyes and love wearing blues in scarves and necklaces– so naturally I was drawn to the pieces pictured here.

20120917-220933.jpg

I took quite a lot of photos so it was a difficult choice which ones to post tonite!  I really liked the handbag pictured below as well. (Do you notice a pattern here–ha– me and handbags…. you can never have enough….)

20120917-221004.jpg

Soulscape. Discover your soul

20120917-220702.jpg

I’ve been finding that Encinitas is a great place to “discover your soul.”  Lots of pretty beaches and many places to meditate after a long day at the office. I’d been looking for one of those Himalayan salt lamps for quite a while and lucky me– I found one at a shop called Soulscape in Encinitas.

About these salt lamps: Himalayan Salt Lamps use a low-wattage light bulb to disburse negative ions emanating from the salt crystals. Place a Himalayan Salt Lamp in your bedroom to help clear sinuses during the night when the body is most relaxed and receptive and to help  intensify your sleep experience.  Install  one in the room where you relax — family room, living room, den–to freshen  the air and make time at home more pleasurable. Enjoy  reduced fatigue–especially during that 3 p.m. slump–by putting a Himalayan  Salt Lamp to work in your office. You’ll transform the air you breath and reduce the amount of electro-magnetic pollution you absorb from office equipment.

Yeah– I love my new salt lamp! I have it near my desk/sleeping area so it also kinda doubles as a “night-light” (bear in mind that I live in a studio apartment).  I can’t confirm that my salt lamp has made me any healthier but it has a nice glow in the evenings especially now with the days getting shorter– and oh by the way– I’m one of the few people I know who hasn’t gotten the summer cold being passed around at my office recently.  Shine on Himalayan Salt Lamp!

20120917-220716.jpg

Grounded- one of my favorite stops in Encinitas

20120917-221324.jpg

Hello Friends. Hope everyone got a great start to the week. One day down, four to go until Friday (did I really just say that?).  Just wanted to share one of my favorite shops in Encinitas. I love Grounded for the pretty displays and welcoming atmosphere. Last year I got my sister a tin spinny thing for her garden– you know, one of those things that kinda looks like a pin wheel?

20120917-221358.jpg

This past weekend I visited the shop and found colorful patio stuff and the bright lunch box pictured above. What a fun way to make lunch from home exciting! If I remember right this was priced in the $21 range.

20120917-221416.jpg

More displays– obviously I couldn’t stop myself from taking pictures. If you want to see for yourself:

  • Grounded
  • 897S. Coast Highway #105
  • Encinitas, CA  92024
  • Phone: (760)230-1563
  • Web: www.shopgrounded.com

20120917-221434.jpg

Flip Flops: Made for Transit Thru History

Happy Flip-Flop Friday everyone! Flip flops are a $2 Billion per year industry in the United States. You’d be hard pressed to walk down any street in America and not see at least one person sporting a pair of flip-flops.

Flip flops have been around for at least six thousand years. As a point of comparison, primitive shoes are shown in rock paintings dating from the late Paleolithic (Stone Age) period some 15,000 years ago. There are depictions of flip-flops in ancient Egyptian murals on tombs and temples from about 4,000 B.C. Styles too varied with the differing placement of the toe strap, as subsequent civilizations preferred using different toes. The Greeks for example made use of the big toe; the Romans, the second toe; and the Mesopotamians, the third toe.

Flip flops are a type of open-toed footwear typically worn in casual situations, such as outside or at the beach. They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and around either side of the foot.  Thong sandals have been worn for thousands of years, dating back to pictures of them in Egyptian murals from 4,000 B.C. These early versions of flip-flops were made from a wide variety of materials including rawhide, wood, papyrus and palm leaves to name a few.  The modern flip-flop became popular in the United States as soldiers returning from World War II brought Japanese zōri with them. They quickly became popular because of convenience and comfort, and were popular in beach-themed stores and as summer shoes. During the 1960s, flip-flops became associated with the beachy lifestyle of California. They were promoted as an accessory, typically worn with shorts or swimwear. Beginning in 1962, the Brazilian company, Alpargatas, marketed a version of flip-flops known as Havaianas. These quickly become some of the most popular in the world: By 2010, more than 150 million pairs were produced every year.

Personally, I love my Havaianas!  They are the perfect “shoe” to throw on when I run down to get the mail or pop out the door for errands on a busy weekend.

Cheers– and happy Flip Flop Friday!!

From Trash to Treasure… to my living room…

20120912-215119.jpg

Look what I found sitting in the alley recently– this cute table!  I really felt like it had potential to become a “treasure” and couldn’t resist the urge to rescue it. Plus, I found a recipe for chalk paint and wanted to try that out. And what better way to experiment than with a free piece of furniture salvaged from the trash, right?  As you can see, my little table needed some rehab–it was nothing some sandpaper and a bit of paint couldn’t fix.

I started my project by hand-sanding the table. About 15 minutes into it I was really wishing I would have busted out the power sander (as you can imagine).  All things considered, the sanding part was pretty easy- it’s a small table.  I’d been doing a lot of research on chalk paint and wanted to try it out to see what all the hype was about. Price-wise the “real thing” is a shade on the expensive side so I decided to make my own version. Here is the recipe I used:

Chalk Paint

  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup plaster of paris
  • 1 1/2 cups satin latex paint

Combine hot water and plaster of paris. Whisk. Add to satin latex paint. Mix well.

I bought my paint at Lowe’s– I got a small-sized sample container of paint for approximately $2.50.  This paint was easy to mix up and extremely user-friendly. It coated the table well– in this case I used 2 coats of paint. Luckily it dries fast so I was able to finish the project all at once.  I had some leftover paint mixture and was pleased to find out that you can save it in an airtight container and it works just fine the next day (I saved some for touch ups).

20120912-215049.jpg

I distressed the edges slightly with sandpaper and I’m still thinking about putting small tiles or maybe glass on top.  I’d also like to put a sealant over it to prevent watermarks and protect the wood.  Considering this is a piece of furniture that I “rescued” from the trash it turned out pretty cute.  Part of me wants to sell this and part of me wants to keep it…..  any offers out there??!

Cheers!

Right now I’m using this as a side table by the sofa to catch my overflow of magazines and books and computers. It’s a great place to rest my ipad.

20120912-215109.jpg