Zanzabelle Supper Club

On Friday night, Potsch and I got to have our minds blown, hearts warmed and taste buds tingled at Zanzabelle. (thanks Date Book- LA)
Husband and Wife team, Matthew and Jackie Roberts, started a supper club last October when the economy started to tear holes in our pockets. They were already co-owners of the fantastic toy shop Zanzabelle, in Silver Lake, and serving some great sandwiches and Fosselman's ice cream in the day time. When the economy started acting like a needy X-girlfriend and taking us for all we were worth Matt and Jackie decided to take matters into their own hands and turned their Friday and Saturday nights into a reservation only, prix fixe menu between $20 - $30 a person, fun, intimate, farmer's market fresh, community gathering, gettin' to know your neighbors supper club. And it is all just perfect!

As soon as Potsch and I walked in we were in love with the whole thing. Jackie- who has experience with food marketing and advertisement, greeted us and knew me from our email back and forths, making us feel like old friends right away.
The toy shop was an adorable atmosphere; surrounding butcher paper-topped tables set aglow with tea lights. The napkins were dish towels - a trend I have noticed in a few new places and quite enjoy. Matt - a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, stepped out from the kitchen and said hi and talked to us about the food, answering any questions we had. The two of them were all smiles and just beautiful and handsome.

Potsch and I sat down and Jackie corked the wine we brought in. The pace of the evening was relaxed. We got to chat with Jackie often, which was usually just me gushing about how great the food was.
Menu-
- Deconstructed Borscht Gelee
- Pan Seared Duck Breast with Bourbon/Blackberry Compote, Pommes Anna
and Fresh Farmers Market Vegetables
- House Smoked Peaches with Mascarpone and Honey Cream

Everything was just amazing. Honestly, the best duck I have ever had.

If you have a special night or just want a wonderful meal you should definitely make a reservation by either calling (626) 243-3686 or emailing them at info@freightfoods.com. But do it soon for two reasons - 1st They only take 25 bookings a night.
2nd This supper club is currently scheduled through the end of August.

located-
Zanzabelle
2912 Rowena Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90039

get on it!

Fully Inspired

I have been feeling the slow build of internal motivation over the past few weeks. It has been building and strengthening and burning. I am a big fan of that whole process. You can just feel yourself getting ready to attack something you have been wanting and waiting for. Well, today I have begun my attack and I could not feel better and more excited about it.

Last week I started looking into a personal trainer. I have always wanted a trainer who was focused on me and excited to kick my ass. I saved up for that purpose and I was finally ready to find my ass kicker. I tried a place in Pasadena where you make an appointment for one on one training in a training suite. The trainer gave me a good work out but then lost me when it came time for the expensive sales pitch. I get very picky when it comes to exercise people. I want to learn and be trained by someone I can respect because they LOVE what they do! It's like having a great Yoga teacher and then hearing they have road rage. That is just not the kinda yogini I want in my life. So I kept the search alive.

Today I met (after some funny emails ) Melody Schoenfeld of Flawless Fitness. She is perfect! She is fast and funny and loves what she does. She is strong and feminine and vegan and just awesome!

We had an assessment day and scheduled our first training session for tomorrow evening. I am not expecting to walk after that and that is awesome! Our energies just seemed to match up. I don't think I could ask for anything more. Also, she says she is excited to kick my ass.
( This is Melody kicking a big man's ass)

So, my new improved life begins now. I just went and spent a grip of cash at Trader Joe's so I could start myself off strong and prepared.

I am going to the dentist tomorrow which is something that scares me and I have not done in years.

I am also buying a new camera cause mine has been acting shady for sometime and as a professional photographer you can't have shady equipment.

And I am just struttin' my stuff with a big ass smile already. It feels so good to put yourself first. We are all worth that.

My mom loves the analogy of the airplane oxygen bag - You must first save yourself before you can help anyone else.

True dat, YO!

Comming soon

I have a bunch of around town adventures to show and tell with you
all. Later today. Promise?
Lvkhali

When I am a rich mommy I will have these

I am not big on jewelry. I really just don't know when and how to wear it. It was one of my new years resolutions "to accessorize more and better." I think I am doing a pretty good job so far - for me. I found Romero Designs tonight and just adored the idea of putting my (someday)kids drawings into trinket form. Pretty and colorful - my favorite!
ps- not sure if Potsch is reading my blog lately but I found some pretty awesome cufflinks on that site that I thought could make an awesome wedding gift for my (someday) Husband.

Dreams...

enjoy the beauty that is Priscilla Ahn.

The Gentleman's necklace

The last time I saw Claire Bigbie she had on this fantastic necklace with a pair of specks attached. I just adored it and have dreamed about it ever since that Margarita filled night in February. Well, today I may have found that very necklace (or at least pretty darn close) on Twinkle Living.

Bitchin' Lifestyle

Have you ever wonder what would happen if Kat Von D of LA Ink made a baby with Alton Brown of Good Eats? Maybe you haven't but I bet you are now. Well, think no longer I have the answer and it is Nadia G and her Bitchin' Lifestyle. Loaded up with videos about kitchen stuff, craft stuff, house stuff and more. She is adorable and funny and not your typical pastel HGTV Host but rather a punk rock pin-up equipped with a hammer and glue gun.

Well Hello Mr. Larkin

Life is much easier when you have one of the coolest mom's in the world and here is a bit of proof: My mom sent me Mr. Larkin today and we fell in love at first site.

Mr. Larkin is a new organic cotton, dyed with grocery store vegetables fashion line of band jackets, jumpsuits and kick ass dresses. Designer Casey Larkin, out of San Francisco, takes it one eco step further by using gorgeous recycled finishings, such as 1930's metal paillettes and 1950's bugle beads.





How amazing would that dress be as a Wedding dress. I saw it on Anne Hathway and it was just stunning!!!

PS - Check out her press page and read the articles to find out more about Casey and her brilliant Mr. Larkin. She is really doing some amazing stuff.

Date night Help!

Potsch has been feeling a bit neglected ever since Edward Cullen and his Twilight coven seem to have taken over my life. Needless to say he was also not thrilled to see that the fourth book is over seven hundred pages and the fifth book will be coming out soon. So, with the help of DateBook, I asked Potsch out on a date, just me and he.

"DATEBOOK is that great friend always in the know and ready at a moment's notice with the perfect idea. We provide hip, fun, offbeat places to go and things to do.

New date ideas--an activity and restaurant within approximately ten minutes from each other are sent via email twice weekly and are also searchable through the archive on our website. A third date is a celebrity’s unique take on a date at home."

You can sign up and have the date ideas emailed to you - perfect for those spur of the moment feet sweeping nights - or you can peruse their archives to construct the perfect date for yourself or maybe even the perfect weekend.

I chose the Eclectic Eve date to woo Potsch with. I am super excited! tell me which ones you guys pick. send me a photo too. I could even post your story and pic if you like!

Junk Culture

I just had to cancel my debit card due to Identity Fraud. Someone stole my number and made a fake card and has had themselves a sweet little spending spree with my money. I am not thrilled in the slightest (though I am happy that my B of A caught it fast and let me know) especially when I found Junk Culture on etsy today. I would love to buy anything and everything from this cute shop but alas you will have to do the shopping for me as I am with out a card for a while.

Yeah scoops!!!

Had scoops tonight with Potsch. It has been too long. Flavors tonight-
green tea and roasted rice. Very savory. Potsch got coffee rum
cinnamon and brown bread. Deeeelightful!
Who's coming with me next time?

Thumbody Loves You!

When I was a kid and I got in trouble my dad would ask, "Khali, who did this?" and I would reply "Somebody, daddy. Somebody."
this vintage logo reminded me of that.

Justin Waldenstein

Another cool thing my mom sent my way -
Justin Waldenstein, New York city native, is a talented...artist. He does painting, drawing, graphic design, photography - which I think puts him to the amazing category of pure Artist.
Here he has scanned in his note book. The images are just lovely. Sort of everyday moments.
There something that I love about mundane moment caught in a painting - turned into a digital image - printed on good photo paper - framed - and hung. You never know what inspires another and how far your moments may go. So, always be true and know that you are beautiful always.

Crayon Physics Game

Potsch sent this to me. I want the laptop screen (but MAC of course) and I want the game.

Crayon Physics Deluxe from Petri Purho on Vimeo.

Beer and Scoops!

Looking for something to do this Saturday? How about this?


On May 9, Los Angeles gets its first festival devoted to California's craft beer culture. Call it the next wave in the craft beer revolution brewing here in Southern California.

A dozen of the state’s best brewers will showcase 26 handcrafted beers while L.A. chefs sling FREE pub grub (gourmet bar nuts, artisan cheese pairings, and vegan snacks). Attendees can try beer treats like ale cupcakes and stout ice cream from the gelato geniuses at Scoops. And a slew of local bands will share the stage with renowned brewers giving tips, and cheese experts lecturing on how to pair beers with food. There will truly be something for every beer drinker!

The $30 entrance fee covers beer, food, brewery roundtables and live music. Tickets are available online and at the door, but space is limited. Proceeds benefit 826LA, the nonprofit tutor program and children’s writing workshop founded by author Dave Eggers. Craft Beer Fest LA is a new annual tradition brought to you by LA CABAL.

At the Echoplex 1154, Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, 90026

Must be 21 or older to attend.

Ninja's in my kitchen

Holy crap I want these. how absolutely masculinely cool are these. And only $18!!!
Find more fun stuff at Molla.
My best friends husband - though he fancies himself more a samurai - would LOVE these. hmmm, when is his birthday?
for some reason the photo seems to be small. Just in case you can't see it they are ninja star fridge magnets. so sweet!

Remember a Dirty tap means dirty tea

Now, I know a bit about tea and i rather enjoy a spot now and again. Some the rules given here are a bit off but well worth watching. If nothing else, just to enjoy watching the creepy tea scientist read his tea cue cards.


ps- my mom found me this sweet jem!

Claire Bigbie is stellar

Remember how I said a few posts back that I always expect to see Margaret and her friends gracing the pages of Lookbook.nu but that they are not 20 so that is probably why I have not seen then there. Well, I guess when you are uber cool you transcend little fashion site and go straight to the top. Claire Bigbie, a good friend of Margarets and a friend of mine (by association), and her boy friend, Jay Shapiro, just got a lovely spread in the New York Times all about her amazing "Skater Dream" Home. It is absolutely stunning! not only do i want to start skating again (ha - again - I used to have my little brother ride my board so it had scuffs and dings in it and then I would carry it around like I had made all those- ha) but I want to save up lots of money so I can have Claire help me with my someday home and maybe her friend (someone I have followed and been in love with for a while) Flore Grubb could come help too.

Stress Buster

Go here now - if you are feeling stressed! Go here now - if you are down on yourself! Go here now - if you want to fall in love over and over again! JUST GO HERE ALREADY!

Margaret sent me Zooborns and she was right "i look at these cute baby zoo animals and i can't
stop smiling. i want to kiss them all!"

Free Encouragement

I am a sucker for the positive and this is right up my alley and having a seat at my dinner table.

"Booooooom and Design for Mankind joined forces on the Free Encouragement project, where hundreds of people submitted words of encouragement that were then transformed by some talented artists into a bunch of postcards. You can get a set of 5 for $7.95 at the Free Encouragement etsy shop."

Lisa Hannigan is talented and pretty

I can't stop listening and staring. Everything about her is just stunning.

At home Diner

I have always dreamed of having a booth in my home kitchen. I think I got that from my mom - she was always a fan of that too. Maybe cause I fancy myself a night owl and having a booth at home would be like a trophy of my youth as I raise a family. Or, booth's are just cool.


photo thanks to Scoop.

Yudu Screen Printing

I sadly have missed the gucco boat but happily seem to be just in time for the Yudu boat.
The yudu is a table top screen printing machine complete with bulit-in drying rack and light table emulsifier. The cost ain't too bad either at $249.95 (at this site). I watched the whole 10 minute HSN pitch and by the end I still wanted to get it. Do any of you have one these or know someone with one? We have an old screen printer at home so I wondering is the $249.95 worth it?

See what developes

I tried to talk Potsch into this being his wedding ring but he just chortled. There is still time to convince him that it is perfect for him. Otherwise he will have to settle for the adorable shirt collar bangle (see site).

Sunday Brunch dresses

The second I read the tag line for Sunday Brunch, I was hooked and of course considered getting it tattooed -
"take time to slow down & dress up" pure brilliance if you ask me.


If my bridesmaids were rich or I was rich and could buy their dresses for them I would pick this stunning blue ruffle dress. I love this blue!!! and it has pockets and i am pretty sure that all women love to have pockets.


PS- They also have a blog.

Look book Crushes

Lookbook.nu is the internet's largest source of fashion inspiration from real people around the world.
I always expect to see my friend Margaret and all her friends gracing the site but then i realize that there never seems to be anyone over 20 there. I do get a bit bummed that the site did not exist when I was 14. I think it would have been beneficial to all.
At 14 I was wearing my dad's old clothes and disparately trying to be a boy and not in the cool androgynous way.

Anyway, I am better now. I think. I pretty much only wear dresses, cardigans and boots. I am working on accessorizing more and better. That was my new years resolution.
Wow, I am rambling- This post is about the crushes I developed while looking at the endless Lookbook page.

is it wrong to want someone else's skin and hair for your own? (above)

You say Potato - I say Scotatto!

Look at these fantastic shoes. So detailed and pretty. I mean who doesn' want to have colorful trains choo chooing around their feet? Scotatto hands makes all her items for sale at her etsy store.
here is her story-"The name Scotatto was a nickname that my dad came up with when I was a baby to describe my potato like head at the time I think. My head no longer looks like a potato and is bursting full of new designs for shoes, bags, purses and anything my hands think they're capable of creating."

She is also open to making custom orders for specific color combination's.

ps- she also has some really cute little bags.

I know I know I know

It is not that I don't love you, Blog. But I am trying so hard to get my office space in order so i can take you, I mean us, to the next level. Please be patient with me. What?...only at night really. I think I am doing very well at keeping my Twilight obsession to just before bed. So, you can't blame Edward for my absence. And it is not absence really. I am thinking about you constantly. Just give me a little more time. When I come back I will have a give away to celebrate all our followers who have been so loyal and patient and loving.
I felt like I should have an image with this post. This is just a vintage postcard I found a while back and just love cause it's kitzies in clothes. one of my weaknesses. For Potsch and my 2 year anniversary he gave me promise rings and I gave him a belt buckle and a t-shirt with kitzies in clothes. seemed a little unbalanced until I saw that he gets compliments on both items everytime he wears them.

Please forgive me.

I never thought in a million years that a book for teenagers would
consume me so fantastically and completely.
I have been neglectful of all else in my life because of dear sweet
Edward Cullen and his sweet family.
At borders the other day I almost bought a doll of Edward but held
back due to the poor manufacturing quality. But if that doll has
looked just right then I would looking into the eyes of that doll
right now. I was going to settle for the poster of just Edward but
then I realized that I am 30. Well not two days later I find my self
eating crow for I have just purchased myself the poster ($3 less at
Kmart). Call me a dork. Call me a loser. All I know is that no matter
how hard I try I can not hide from love.

Donna Wilson looks soft

Look at these fun and colorful home furnishings. The pillows, the blankets, the Animals - It is all the brilliant work of Donna Wilson. Bummed that she is across the pond but check it out.