Summer Concert Series

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Music has gotten me through the hard times, the good times, and everything in between. It’s always been my remedy, my go-to. When we moved to the area last year, we immediately became members at the Mission and jumped at the chance to purchase tickets to their summer concert series. This summer we’ve seen Fortunate Son (CCR Tribute), The Long Run (The Eagles), Jumpin’ Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones), True Willie (Willie Nelson), Cash’d Out (Johnny Cash), and The Fab Four (The Beatles). All were excellent.

Dana Point also offers their own dose of free (can’t beat free) summer concerts; we’ve seen Led ZepAgain (Led Zeppelin), Springsteen (Bruce Springsteen), The Petty Breakers (Tom Petty), and Turn The Page (Bob Seger).
It’s a booze sippin’, kids roamin’, music jammin’ good time, every time. If you’re in the area, I suggest checking both out.

A Cup Full of Sunshine

I reached out to my friend Anne a while back about letting me shoot some video of her in an effort to document her macrame making process. Anne is one of those people that you can’t help but love; she’s got a giggle that I’m head-over-heels about and the sweetest family ta boot. Her style and artistic abilty is top notch and I hope all of you will head on over and check out her store. I recently purchased one of her fiber art wall hangings and it is legit. I asked her to answer a few questions so y’all could get to know her a little bit better…
How did you get into Macrame?
About 3 years ago I was at a rummage sale and someone had donated all their macrame books, hoops and rope. I had been interested in trying it and when I had all the necessary items in front of me at once I figured it was meant to be. I got home and made my first plant hanger and was hooked! After I understood the basics I was able to come up with my own designs and have since created pieces with more of a modern take on the classic 70’s styles.
Tell me about the other items in your shop.
I also sell vintage clothes. I have been wearing vintage clothes since high school and have developed a deep love for thrifting. I’d always find amazing things that didn’t fit me and had such a hard time leaving them on the rack. Now that I have a shop, I don’t have to abandon them! They get to go to new home and keep living.
How do you best balance your etsy shop with raising your children?
I try not to put unrealistic expectations on myself. If I have free time I’ll work on a new piece or list an item. Sometimes I’ll just photograph everything and then list on different day. When it comes to anything creative it can be tricky, I never know when I’ll get inspired and often times it comes at a terrible time. A lot of times I’ll just write down my idea and accept the fact that it will have to wait.
Quick, three random things about you.
When I was in grade school I wanted to be an animator.
My favorite decades for music and style are the 70’s and 20’s.
My favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
What influences your art?
Nature, 70’s fiber art and the challenge of trying to create something unique.
A Cup Full of Sunshine, the shop  |  A Cup Full of Sunshine, the blog

Support Local: Merchant Square

Merchant Square is the largest boutique for antiques, memorabilia, handmade goodies, vintage items, records, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, and all sorts of other treasures. I have been here a handful of times during our many trips to the Phoenix area and I never leave empty handed. The staff is warm and friendly and eager to take something out of your hands so you can browse with your hands free. There is an outdoor area that has so much good stuff you’ll forget all about the 110+ roasting temp in the summer. With over 250 vendors, you’re sure to find something that sets your heart aflutter. If you’re in the AZ area, you ought to check them out. Bring your dough though, some of the booths are a bit overpriced and to my dismay, there is no longer an eatery (there used to be the cutest little hot dog / snack place you could grab a bite to eat).  
And be sure to check out the Savor’s down the street. I snagged two killer rugs the last time I stopped in there. 
Who’s from the AZ area? Have you been to either?

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Support Local: Summer Camp

I drove past Summer Camp a couple of times not knowing it was anything more than a custom framing shop situated in an old automobile service station. On our way out, we stopped and I’m so glad we did. This place plays to the senses with good tunes, the best smelling candles, the most tactile displays like hangers made out of tree branches, and enough treasures so beautifully displayed that your eyes will be popping out worse than Wile E. Coyote’s. I came away with that adorable “Hunker Down With Me” banner (which can also be found

here), a copy of The Collective Quarterly that I had intended on ordering online anyway, and the tobacco and teakwood combo soy candle (found here), which the nice girl behind the counter said happens to be their best-selling one. If for no other reason (and trust me, there are many other reasons), I’ll be returning to Ojai to stop in at Summer Camp once again.

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Support Local: Sperling Nursery

We love picking out plants. If you kept track of the plants in our home, you’d probably argue that we like picking them out more than we like keeping them alive; and you’re probably right. We typically opt for the succulents because, well, they’re harder to kill.
Sperling nursery, in Calabasas, is our favorite. They always have a large variety of high quality plants. Their prices are a little steep, but the quality is always great.
And they always have fresh popped popcorn. So, I mean, come on. Hands down, right? Nevermind those grubby little dirty hands I have to share it with… Click To Vote For Us @ Top Baby Blogs Directory!