D VIDERS

If I lived in a loft or had a store, I would want to get these dividers. You can choose from prints that this NY based company has designed or customize your own and send them the print. The price seems pretty reasonable...$383 to $1000. This would also be great fo a store front, or for a anniverary outdoor party with full photos!
Check out it out by clicking the pink title.

KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY

I shoot black and white portraits of kids on the weekend. I hope to get more Los Angeles clients but its been a slow process. Here are a few photos from my website, so if you know of anyone that just had a baby or that needs a great photo...direct them my way! I am affordable and excited to start up again!

Click on the pink title to get to my website.

THE SECRET

I had a BIG birthday last night. My friend Angie, who is actually mentioned in Lizzie Garrett's design guide below...she owns a very hip furniture store called ORANGE, gave me something that I heard about by numerous people. (including OPRAH). Angie is a VERY smart and spirtually aware person so any books she suggest, is on the NY TIMES best seller's list before its on the NY TIMES best seller's list. This happpens to be CD.
THE SECRET sells for $29.95, compiled by an Austrailan woman named Rhonda Byrne which combines spiritual teachings of many famous philosophers, modern and ancient with the help of five well-known inspirational speakers. Apparently the CD has helped MILLONS to start sucessful businesses, find and manage successful relationships, lose weight, get out of debt, get over an abusive past or tragic incident...you name it. It covers alot of ground, but take a look, you may want to start this year off right and actually complete a dream or goal with a little help. Click the pink title to get you there.

ROCK THE BABY

I found this cute teeshirt for Kevin's friend, Lael, who is having a baby shower in two weeks. Its $18, and will definitely look cute with the chuck taylor's that I wrote about earlier. I wish they made one in my size. Click the pink title to check it out.

MAKE IT

Are you bored? Have you just broken up with a friend, husband, boyfriend? Do you feel like everyone else around you is making or doing something fabulous and you are just watching TV? Then check out this website, full of ideas for the common dumbass with a big bank account, or someone like me who is watching the checkbook. I think that the sunkit set, jam kit, clothing pattern kit for jackets, and finally the card making kit are the most interesting and usable kits. Great things to do as a home project with kids, and better than bitching about how bored you are with your life..check it out by clicking the pink title above.

LIZZIE GARRETT'S DESIGN GUIDE FOR LA

Check out this design guide written for Design Sponge by freelance writer and friend Lizzie Garrett. She has fantastic suggestions for the best places to shop in LA for modern design. She also happens to be one of my favorite bloggers. Her blog is called DESIGNER WATCHER. I have written about her before, but just a reminder...she is an "IT" girl and everything she feature is hip and interesting. You can get to the design guide by clicking into the pink title above.

STRI VECTIN

My friend Kelly Atterton, who works for Allure Magazine turned me onto this product. Its a fantastic eye cream.
After my 30th birthday, I have made a conscious effort to care for my skin and this is such a great product, you have to try it out. Check it out by clicking the pink title.

MARIO TESTINO

This book, LET ME IN, came out in March 07. Its a Behind-the-scenes photo book of contemporary celebrities by one of my favorite fashion photographer's, Mario Testino. I didn't have the pleasure of working with him when I was a photo producer at Vanity Fair, but my friend Sunhee Grinnell who produced for him said he was a complete sweet heart. Not like some of the monsters we had to deal with. The forward is by Nicole Kidman, and Michael Roberts, the fashion director at Vanity Fair writes a introduction for those insiders that care about things like that. Its about 300 pages and each photo does capture a prettty intimate moment. The book sells for about $400 for the limited edition. Check it out by clicking on the pink title.

NEW MUSIC

If you are like me and feel like you are slowing becoming more and more out of the lupe with music, check out this website called pitchfork. Kevin turned me onto it, and its a great website with intelligent reviews. Check it out by clicking on the pink title above. If you want to hear the actual music that they recommend, then you can log onto MYSPACE.COM, click into the MUSIC section, and then search the band you want to hear.

BRUHL COUCH

This is a cool couch I found surfing the blog world. This company is huge in Germany, and I thought this was a great find.
You can create your own sofa from a choice of designs, fabrics and cover combinations. Swap the covers to match your your ever changing style yearly! Design: the solidly upholstered leather back in traditional rhomb-shape contrasts very well with the removable wool floral seat covers. You can look into this item by clicking on the pink title.

ITS COLD

I am always cold. I found this cool blanket on a blog called http://la.apartmenttherapy.com. Its an inexpensive fleece blanket to keep you warm if you can never get your throw to cover your arms and your feet. Its $49, and you can click on the pink title to check it out.

DRUDGE REPORT

Ever since I moved to LA two years ago I have noticed a little change in myself. In New York, I found myself reading alot more. The things that I read were alot different that things that I read and watch now too. Its really funny, and it true, once you move to LA it seems like you lose a few brain cells.
I went from reading the NY TIMES, DRUDGE REPORT, THE NEW YORKER, VANITY FAIR and watching important and interesting documentaries from NETFLIX, to reading books written by the Dali Lama, Shopping magazines such as Domino, DVR'ing shows which I didn't in NY since I didn't have cable... and watching Grey's Anatomy or Men in Trees.
I know that there are alot of differences between the two cities, but I am going to make a conscious effort to get back what I was doing before. Educating myself on things going on in the world, and not who is breaking up with who. If you feel like getting a few brain cells back, check out the Drudge Report. Its great gossip, but gossip that covers international news.

GRILL IT

I am Korean so I have grown up going to Korean BBQ restaurants and cooking the meat and interesting dishes on a table grill. I just got one for Christmas, and its a great item to have if you love have people over. You can have dinner party with this on the table, and cook up veggies, meats or anything you feel like cooking! This cuts the time that you are in the kitchen ,and allows the guests to cook what you are serving they way they like it! This one cost about $99.

Check it out by clicking the pink title above. There many other indoor grills that a little more inexpensive on TARGET.COM as well. Try and get on over 1300 watts...it hotter and will cook food faster.

STENCIL IT

I have been flat out broke since Xmas. I don't have time or the money to really shop much, so I have been trying to find things that are inexpensive and fun to do. This stencil set from Urban Outfitter is cool...you can add the stencil images to teeshirts you already have, or you can use it on walls. There are a few different patterns, but this one caught my eye. Its only $10!
Click on the pink title!

TURTLE BAY

I was away for a week on the island of Oahu in Hawaii . It was a a very relaxing week and I highly recommend this spot for all you folks on the West Coast. A 5 hours flight from LAX to Oahu, seems a bit far, but if you are going to the airport, what does an extra hour matter?
Turtle Bay has been there for over 20 years, but recently had 10 milion dollar redesign that took two years. There is a surf camp on the resort in addition to inexpensive tennis, horseback riding on the beach, trails and 4 restaurants, two pools, a new facelift to all the rooms including George Nelson lights and new carpeting and decor.
In terms of the North Shore, it is a untouched by tourism, and its really a place that houses locals who love to surf. At Pipeline 25-30 feet were crashing down on local surfers...it was unbelieveable. I had coffee at Ted Bakery every morning where they serve fanastic coffee and egg sandwiches, but also serve steamed rice and eggs. I ate a a place called Surf Shack, run by Brazilians who immigrated to the island to surf. The local town nearby is called Haleiwa. It has a few great restaurants, but the musts.... shave ice...not shaved ice, the best Thai food off a food truck called OPAL and finally Giovanni's shrimp...its also a food truck, but its tasty! Check out Oahu's North Shore for your next getaway!

COLD WAR KIDS

This is a band that I have been listening to lately that Kevin got me hooked on. They are originally from Fullerton California and they sound different than all the indie rock bands out there.... Kevin who is a bit skeptical about POP bands, said that once he listened to the Robbers and Cowards CD, that he was pleasantly impressed. You can listen to a few songs on MySpace.com, but I think this band is awesome.
Check them out or buy a Cd on http://coldwarkids.com.

BOOTY

My cousin Esther is 5 months pregnant, my friend Liezel and her husband Chris just had a gorgeous baby girl, and my friend Su in London just had a baby boy. Baby Boom City!
Rather than getting the usual practical gift that everyone usually gets, I think that a hip mom would love these cool Chuck Taylor slip ons. They come in 2 infant to size 10 toddler f.or $27.95.
Check them out on the pink title above or log on www.Zappos.com.

MARK SANDERS

Designer Mark Sanders (manufactured by Joseph Joseph) came up with this...its called the Chop 2 Pot. Its really cool, a friend of mine has one... when the handle is squeezed the board folds into a chute to guide chopped and diced ingredients into the pot. I think this color is cool, but it comes in Bright White, Black, Lime Green, and Royal Blue. You can purchase it by clicking on the pink title above, or log onto
http://www.corv.usweb.co.uk

SAY HI

Its so easy to send emails to friends, thanking them for gifts or good times this holiday season. Recieving a card by mail in my opinion is the best way to make someon's day...it means that you really care. Send someone of these cool cards. You can buy them if you click the pink title above or log on www.curiosityshoppeonline.com.

WEST ELM VASES

I really like these vases from West Elm. They come in a celedon shade too...they cost about $9-$19. Click the pink title above or go to www.westelm.com.

MIKE AND CHRIS

I got a bit tied up with the holiday madness and then god a pretty bad cold but now I am having fun catching up on all the shopping I missed out on. I got an item by Mike and Chris for Christmas and I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Chris and Mike is a very hip line of clothing cut amazingly well and comfortable. This husband and wife team are available online and numerous websites... here are a few. Check out their website for more places to buy! A bit on the pricy side, a sweatshirt goes for about $175 and the leather jacket goes for about $850.
mikeandchris.com.

To purchase on line, here are are a few places. WWW.GIRLSHOP.COM, WWW.RONHERMAN.COM,WWW.SHOPBOP.COM
WWW.SHOPJAKE.COM.

BLACK FOREST

When I was about 7 years old, my brother Wil and I would terrorize my mother. We were bad kids. She sometimes would try and frighten us in hopes that we would behave. She made us some story about the "black forest" and said she was going take us there if we continued to be bad. We didn't believe her and would just fight and scream and not eat. One night my mom had a meltdown because we wouldn't go to bed and she put us in the car and drove a few miles from where we lived...she told us to get out, which we did, and she drove off. Black Forest. It was real. Needless to say about 5 minutes later, she came back and we were crying and promised to be good. Since that night, if were were being bad again, two words would shut us up... When I saw these plates, made me laugh...and also, I have to confirm that the Black Forest does exist.
This Black Forest line was designed by Bodo Sperlein for Dibbern. I like the dinnerplates which cost about $82 on lilleashop.com.

DAVERO

Whether you are a educated foodie or a starving artist or student who cooks at home, these products are worth the splurge. If you have some last minute shopping, this is great gift for that one person or boss, who have everything. This company is special...Davero is family owned business in Sonoma County who imported trees from Tuscany and planted them on their farm. Good stuff. It doesn't hurt that a pack of celebrity chefs have also fallen in love with the oils, and use them in their trendy restaurants... Mario Batali of Babbo, David Silverman of Tao, Loretta Keller of Coco500 and Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen. This three pack sells for $72 on www.davero.com.

WOODY

These are Roost designed shelves that have been recycled, and are made of teak or hardwood. They are waxed and what's cool about them is that no two pieces are alike. Comes in small, medium, and large. $36, $54, $96 on www.velocityartanddesign.com.

DOG HOUSE

The designer bow haus has killed two birds with one side table...this is a dog crate and side table in one...
It can be fully dismantled with an allen key (provided) for easy cleaning and transport. It comes in two sizes,
Studio Bow Haus for Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs) Measurements: H 15.5" x Dia 21" and then the larger one, Loft Bow Haus for Large Dogs (up to 50 lbs) Measurements: H 23" x Dia 30" Top. Pad come In Reversible Orange/Charcoal or Green/Mocha. How cool is this!...I think this is such a stylish way to crate your dog.
Price is around $389 for the smaller one, and $499 for the larger one on www.velocityartanddesign.com.

ARNOLD NEWMAN

Arnold Newman. For all you photo geeks out there, or any of you trying to impress sophisticated editorial friends, I have to educate you on one of the American photo legends of our time. He was a real photographer...not a computer wiz that knows how to put two photos together an similate an fake image like most photographers these days. He was a true artist, that caught a moment or made it happen organically. Its sad...it seems like the last few years some of my favorite photographers have passed away...Helmut Newton, Avedon, Herb Ritts and Arnold Newman. He is most famous for his jumping series that was hip in the 50's and 60's, but since then alot of photographers have knocked off his studio style of animated faces and stylish dressed subjects. Check out this book...he is genius.Check it out on on this website,
www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/books/photography/all/facts/01377.htm.

M WARD

I know alot of you may be sick of the indie rock that just won't go way, but I have to tell you about one more guy who is worth the $12. M (short for Matt) Ward, is one of my favorites these days. He grew up in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and his lyrics and his slow and self important music makes me think that just one more won't kill me. He had a fantastic CD that came out in 2005 called, "Transistor Radio," which got rave reviews from ALL thereputable critics, and you can check out his website to see the long list.
Some great songs...You Still Believe in Me, One Life Away and Big Boat. For his new CD "Post War", you can listen to a few of the songs on MySpace.com. He will be touring, and is due to perform in NY on Jan 26, Chicago on Jan 29, LA on Feb 2 and San Francisco on Feb 4th. He is definitely one to watch. www.mwardmusic.com.

BABY ROCKER

I don't have a baby but if I did, he/she would be wearing this. This website for babies and young kids has everything to hip up the little one.
$20 for a onepiece on ktrix.com.

WALK ME

It seems as if everyone I know has a dog. A friend of mine, Lizzie who is the mastermind behind DesignWatcher.com just rescued a dog with a friend while on the freeway, another friend rescued a dog from Ace of Hearts in Beverly Hills. I found this cool Glow in the Dark Dog Leash which comes in handy in the dark so that cars can see you from a distance. Its extends 13 feet and its really cute. This posting if for you guys!
$34.00 on www.hapaculture.com.

IPOD OUTFIT

I really love this ipod case...its sold out,but if you check back in a week, it will probably be available. There are two others, but this one is my favorite. Will not fit a mini or nano. $15.00 on www.plumparty.com.

HIP TUPPERWARE

I found some great storage container sets perfect to keep leftovers, bake cookies and give as a gift and make food storage more visually interesting. Each set come with 3 melamine containers and it a comes in a few other patterns. Great gift...$32.00 on www.plumparty.com.

DOORS

This colorful silicone tube doorstop is a great way to keep the doors open. Bad news...if you have a dog, it probably won't stay a doorstop that long. $12 on www.uncommongoods.com

PUNK BABY

For some reason or other, most of my friend are pregnant. I know the right thing to do is go into their registry at the fancy baby places, but I found a cool gift that I think most moms would love... Check out www.mypunkbaby.com. There are some cool rock tee-shirts made for infants and kids. My favorite...the Ramones, $20 for a one piece tee.
You should also check out www.babywit.com...they have Jimmy Hendrix and Sonic Youth.

SURFS UP

Winter is in full swing and as much as I love getting bundled up in my hats and warm duds, I do miss the sun, sand and surf. If you need to break out of town for a few days, check out www.cabosurfhotel.com. Kevin took me there in August, and in one word...its just RAD. It is a secluded and affordable beachfront boutique resort in Los Cabos, about 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. There are only 19 air-conditioned rooms, all ocean front with all the amenities that any high powered person on his or her, could appreciate.

Cabo Surf Hotel is located on Playa Acapulquito, which is a fantastic beach to catch waves. I went and caught the best wave of my life. Nearby, there is a little town that you can go to at night and get some tasty taquerias.
For the yuppies out there, the hotel is across from one of Los Cabos newest golf courses,Querencia, and just past the Palmilla Hotel & Golf Course. The hotel is family owned, and the gentleman that runs the place is Mauricio Balderama. He is this friendly tall,hand some man, that really loves his property and makes himself available to everyone...he even surfs with the guests. This would be a great place for a wedding, or just a quick getaway with your partner to learn to surf, golf, and tan during the day, and then go into Cabo at night. Room rates are reasonable, during a promotion, you can get a room for $225.