Modern Frill

Oh, little loves...

2011-10-27T23:31:00.000-07:00

O, Those Vejar Twins! Happy Birthday to our Sweet Babes!

2011-02-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

This year we said "so long" to our Canon 5D Mark II and said "HOLA!" to the Nikon D700 and celebrated our babies' first birthday with a photo shoot!

Oh Glorious JOY~ how I love this camera but more so, how I love these little ones! The Lord has blessed us with these two amazing people and it has been such a delight to get to know them.

Dear Miss Z, with your newfound squawk and windmill arms to get mama's attention; your darling curls and your side half-smile when you are thinking of something really important; your resonant laugh and your zest for life - all these things I love, my tiburoncita!

Mr. X, I marvel at the joy you have in finding out what life is like while walking on your own two feet; your hands like a St. Bernard puppy when you pat mama's face; your bottom lip which you generally hide; and the eyelashes you wave like palm fronds when you smile - my sweet boy!

Happy Birthday to you, my dearest ones!

Things I Like! in the last week of January 2011.

2011-01-31T22:36:00.000-08:00

This week, the Vons by our house was selling pints of Ciao Bella Maple Ginger Snap for 1/2 off - we bought all of them!

So ridiculously delish!

Maira Kalman's exhibit at the Skirball Museum, Various Illuminations (of a Crazy World). I have been reading her books to the twins, especially the Max series and Smartypants : Pete in School. We took the kiddos and had to breeze through the exhibit, which includes paintings, found objects, textiles, and installations. I could have stayed for another hour at least. The exhibition is in L.A. until February 13th.

Do go visit if you can!

I couldn't afford the exhibition catalog, but I bought a postcard of this image. I love this mysterious lady.

After I saw a poster of a Maira Kalman/Ralph Pucci collab of a little girl in glasses with red hair and braces from across the children's department at the Macy's in Cerritos(?!??!) on Saturday, and went completely ga-ga, Ivan is now trying to get me to write a note of appreciation to Ms. Kalman (aka "fan letter") and to ask her out for tea. Ha Ha, Ivan.

I am dreaming that this little red-headed girl grows up to be the mysterious lady... this somehow reminds me of my own little lady, and it also reminds me of myself when I was 12 and just got glasses.

and last but not least: the Put a Bird on It! clip from Portlandia.
The sketches can be hit or miss, but the show has some really hilarious bits.
I love being able to visit my old town while I watch this...

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

We took a walk to the pier in Seal Beach today. Breathing salt air is so therapeutic to the soul.

My inbox was glowing with this poem today, so I must share.

Thread of Life, by Christina Rossetti
The irresponsive silence of the land,

The irresponsive sounding of the sea,
Speak both one message of one sense to me:-
Aloof, aloof, we stand aloof; so stand
Thou too aloof bound with the flawless band
Of inner solitude; we bind not thee;
But who from thy self-chain shall set thee free?
What heart shall touch thy heart? What hand thy hand?-
And I am sometimes proud and sometimes meek,
And sometimes I remember days of old
When fellowship seemed not so far to seek
And all the world and I seemed much less cold,
And at the rainbow’s foot lay surely gold,
And hope felt strong and life itself not weak.

Thus I am mine own prison. Everything
Around me free and sunny and at ease:
Or if in a shadow, in a shade of trees
Which the sun kisses, where the gay birds sing
And where all winds make various murmuring;
Where sounds are music, and where silences
Are music of an unlike fashioning.
Then gaze I at the merrymaking crew,
And smile a moment and a moment sigh
Thinking: why can I not rejoice with you?
But soon I put the foolish fancy by:
I am not what I have, nor what I do;
But what I was I am, I am even I.

Therefore myself is that one only thing
I hold to use or waste, to keep or give;
My sole possession every day I live,
And still mine own despite Time’s winnowing.
Ever mine own, while moons and seasons bring
From crudeness ripeness mellow and sanitive;
Ever mine own, till Death shall ply his sieve;
And still mine own, when saints break grave and sing.
And this myself as king unto my King
I give, to Him Who gave Himself for me;
Who gives Himself to me and bids me sing
A sweet new song of His redeemed set free;
he bids me sing: O death where is thy sting?
And sing: O grave where is thy victory?

May 2011 be a year full of brightness and hope, of challenges and accomplishments, of grace and true companionship.

Bodies at rest and motion.

2010-11-15T23:17:00.000-08:00

testing articulations

with hums and murmurs and shouts.

intention glimpses action

like air moving through open fingers-

will rest be found in the clanging cloud or the quiet fire?

tiny wails calling out from sleep

accelerations to move me from this inertia.

with unbalanced forces,

i steady my feet within the notches of the floorboards

to sing them back to the land of dreaming.

Kids at the Pumpkin Patch!

2010-11-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

I love Fall, but it has been feeling like Summer the last few days. We took the kids to the pumpkin patch for a few photos this past weekend. The kids were causing a small riot during their photo shoot - strangers were calling their names along with us, to try to get them to look at the camera and whipping out their cell phones. They will be nine months on the 9th. I continue to be amazed how their first year is just flying by!

Happy Howl-o-ween!

2010-10-28T01:15:00.000-07:00

Took the kids to the Gatsby Books storytime today (currently on Wednesdays at 11am). The lovely Miss Jen read some not-too-scary books to the kiddos and we sang songs and danced around the room. Mister X obviously enjoyed the goings-on, while the Lady Z looks a little suspicious of it all.

We are planning to attend the free Community Carnival on Sunday at Grace Brethren Church. It has been our tradition to volunteer over the last several years, but this will be the first year for the kiddos, so we will be squiring them around until they eat too much candy and play too much Guitar Hero and insist on going to bed. This is a seriously fun event for kids - with a (literal) ton of candy to be passed out, bounce houses to enjoy, a skate park to be skated upon, and game booths galore. A special "pumpkin patch" area for the littler set to enjoy a quieter evening is a highlight as well.

We're hoping also to attend the Howl-o-ween Parade for dogs and their people friends at Belmont Shore, on Sunday, October 31, at 2:30pm. The start and finish of the parade is at Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. (at Park Ave). The vendor fair and pet adoption is in the park from noon to 5pm.

Dog in a pumpkin costume - yes, please!

A day of rest - well, a few hours anyway...

2010-09-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've been going nonstop with the kiddos, since they are deciding not to sleep at night anymore. At 7 months, miss lady and the man-baby are wildly unpredictable and coming into their own personalities for sure.

Needless to say, I've been tired. Sunday morning I decided I needed a little break. Ivan took the babes to church (thank you Grace Brethren nursery volunteers!) I did my morning chores (washing bottles, cleaning the kitchen), took a leisurely shower, read the chapter on Christmas called "sometimes I forget to tell you I love you" in Madeleine L'Engle's " The irrational season : The Crosswicks Journal - book 3". The book follows the liturgical year and is a deeply satisfying glimpse into the life and spiritual journey of an exceptional writer and, in my mind, such a profound theologian.

The chapter ends with this small verse,

This is the irrational season
When love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
There’d have been no room for the child.

which speaks so much to me right now, in my own irrational season- of learning to live with these two little ones, coming into our lives so unexpectedly, and whom I love so deeply, even in my exhausted haze.

These dear ones...

Things I Like! 13 Most Beautiful...Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests

2010-09-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have been playing this on Netflix lately for background music. It features songs by Velvet Underground successors Dean and Britta (ex-Luna). Dean Wareham was also in Galaxie 500 (swoon!) and whenever I think of Galaxie 500, I think of an old friend from Portland, Will Capel, who is no longer with us. This movie is definitely all atmosphere, oddly compelling and a little creepy.

Cerritos Public Library : Field Trip!

2010-09-13T02:01:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to the Cerritos Public Library this afternoon and was absolutely blown away! It's like Disneyland for bibliophiles. I will be bringing the kiddos often, once they are walking, since it is both a great place to play and an amazing way to cultivate interest in reading and learning, as it appeals to all of the senses.

The fountains outside.

The amazing entrance...

With a wall-size aquarium. The babes were absolutely captivated.

This is the banyan tree. You can sit beneath its branches and read.

They keep multiple copies of Caldecott Award-winning books. I love this! The book nerd in me salivates over having multiple copies of books for some reason. Also, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a spectacular book. I read it a few months ago - if you are interested in film history, graphic novels or design - you will like this book. Great for kids and adults.

The lighthouse has comfortable seats - perfect for curling up with a book. The sky above the lighthouse changes hourly.

I am definitely considering joining the library once the kids are older. The non-resident fee is $100, but they have amazing programs for kids and adults and such an incredible collection of books.

Gatsby Books Children's Story Time - Saturday, September 11 at 12pm

2010-09-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled about Gatsby Books opening in Long Beach. Sean has put together a really great collection of books and some fun family-friendly upcoming events, including Story Time every Saturday at noon, and an acoustic show for kids and science nerds alike by the Amoeba People on Saturday, September 25th at 1pm, for free! Let's show our support for the independent bookseller - hooray!

I photographed Gatsby the Owl for the flyer - isn't he the most delightful little creature you have ever seen?

OC Children's Consignment Sale!

2010-07-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Because we are now the proud parents of two little ones, we are always looking for good deals on baby things x2 - and excited about this sale coming up next week!

Sula Paint and Peel Nail Polish - one of my new favorite things!

2010-07-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Being a mom of 5-month-old twins means no time for beautifying, but I came across this product at Anthropologie last weekend when my mom was visiting us from Oregon, and we took her to the Grove. Sidenote: Our family grew up going to the Farmer's Market on 3rd and Fairfax (my dad had his first job there when he was 15), and when she saw the Grove, all she could remember was that it used to be a big dirt lot. Quite a change from the old place, for sure.

Sula Paint and Peel nail polish is free from the icky stuff in most nail polishes, which is important since I'm always with my precious babes.

I was looking for a nice matte gray polish (for the last year or so) ever since I saw Angie wearing it, and found the nail color "Dove" at Anthro. It dries darker than I was hoping for - definitely more black than gray. But I found another supplier in Ulta, the beauty supply store and picked up "Tango" (a lovely summery orange), "Berry" (dries crimson-ish), and "Blush" (a gorgeous and sheer shell pink), all on clearance. Now I'm hooked and want more, more, more!

And all because - you don't need nail polish remover to take off the color!

It really does just peel off, and I don't have to spend more than 20 seconds on applying or removing my nail color. Important when I only have 20 seconds to myself, while I'm standing at the kitchen counter waiting for water to heat up. This could be considered a drawback to some, because if you keep your hands in hot water for a few minutes, i.e. to wash dishes or take a shower, the nail polish will just slide off your nails (unless you use the Sula Permanent Top Coat). But for me, it's the easiest way to feel a little more fancy in my busy day.

Amazingly beautiful necklace giveaway from Bel Kai Designs

2010-06-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

(photo: Bel Kai Designs)

The very lovely Whitney Hill from Bel Kai Designs is giving away a gorgeous necklace created as a tribute to her friends living in community in Thailand. Not only is it a beautiful necklace but the message behind it is even more compelling - it bears the word "freedom, and aren't we all are longing to be released from fear into freedom? Visit her blog and post a comment to participate in the giveaway here, until Friday, 6/11 at noon (PST). Thanks, Whitney!

Maeve!

2010-05-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Really enjoying the debut of Maeve. the online magazine based in Australia, with gorgeous photography by the spectacular Peta Mazey and Rachel Devine.

I am so in love with the paperdoll set they are giving away from Mae. Yes, please:

So in love with these little ones!

2010-04-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

Our delightful twins, A and Z, are keeping us awake at night and thrilled and amazed daily at their very existence. Our lives truly have changed for the better - and just look at those wrinkly knees! Delicious!

This blog has moved

2010-04-25T08:09:00.001-07:00

This blog is now located at http://blog.modernfrill.com/.
You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here.

For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to
http://blog.modernfrill.com/feeds/posts/default.

Bumbleride Twin Stroller Giveaway!

2009-11-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

As you may know, we are expecting twins in March of 2010 (!), so I was delighted when Angie from the Outfit forwarded me a link to My Organized Chaos, a blog highlighting life with twins and a 5-year-old. Tammi shares info on great kid's products and is featuring an amazing giveaway of a Indie Twin Bumbleride stroller, ending tomorrow, December 1st.

We've been looking at twin strollers and love the Bumbleride stroller, which allows independent adjustment for each seat, including backrests, footrests and canopies.

Check out how you can sign up for this great giveaway here!

Cutest Little Pumpkins!

2009-11-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

My final photo shoot for 2009 was at Irvine Regional Park with the adorable Barnes family. Little B dressed up as Max from Where the Wild Things Are, and hid in a cave of tree limbs and baby B picked out his favorite pumpkins. What fun!

Handmade Brigade OC - Sunday, November 1st

2009-10-23T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 1st, from 11am-5pm at the Camp, 2937 Bristol St., in Costa Mesa. Be one of the first 25 entrants and receive a great gift bag.

Check out the Handmade Brigade OC website for more info on vendors.

Ch-ch-ch-changes! News from Modern Frill!

2009-09-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

Much of the summer was spent on the East Coast and upon my return, we found out we were pregnant - with TWINS!

The babies have been busy, dancing and swimming in the belly - keeping me up at night, and rather low-energy and unwell during the day. We are definitely in transition now, looking for a place that can accommodate our quickly growing family, downsizing (ours) and acquiring (theirs), and making some last-minute trips before the little ones make their big appearance.

Consequently, Modern Frill will be taking a hiatus for the time being.

Thanks to you all for your support over the years! I will be spending the next few months focusing on expanding Modern Frill to include new and unique products and designs for kids, with product lines available beginning in early 2010. I'll be updating this blog with news as we go along.

We are truly calling 2010 the year we make contact! Can't wait!!!

More from Fox Lor!

2009-06-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I had a great time with Lori Fox, taking photos of some of her adorable clothes she sells on Fox Lor. The charming Maxine was our model.

Lori will be going to Africa this summer with Raven + Lily, to work with the women designers who create fabulous products such as these:

More at Long Beach Modern!

Just another day at the Beach!

2009-06-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

What a great day with the P family, who won my gift certificate at the Harvey's event last summer. We had a fabulous day in Seal Beach. The weather was warm, with a touch of that pesky marine layer, and we splashed in the water, built sand castles, and marveled at the ladybugs playing in the sand.

Disney Day!

2009-05-20T13:20:00.001-07:00

What fun we had with the Fierro Family. Such precious ones!

I couldn't resist a pic of my handsome husband!

This is our nephew's first trip to Disneyland - he is so happy to finally be home, after the 3-year adoption process. He is already speaking English and learning how to be a big brother. He is absolutely adorable!

He loves his uncle Ivan!

Eyes as big as saucers on "It's a Small World"...

Ka-Chow!

I love how we are all smiling in the reflection on the glasses - so fun!

The end of a long and wonderful day!

Yo Gabba Gabba! DJ Lance Rock - L.A. Book Festival

2009-04-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great time watching DJ Lance Rock and Brobee of Yo Gabba Gabba! perform at the LA Book Festival on Saturday. The weather was perfect and the scores of kid fans were superadorable as they sang along with Pick it Up! and Party in my Tummy.

For all you Yo Gabba Gabba fans in SoCal - enjoy Gabba Friends - a great website chock full of Yo Gabba Gabba pics, event updates, and charming new friends.

See more LA Book Festival pics at my other blog: Long Beach Modern.