Breadbox Musings

Just Say...

2007-09-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

One of the really great things about my super cute little MacBook is that I can be sitting in the coffee shop and still take excellent photos of my new shirt, all with just the touch of a button.

Last night I saw TMBG at the Rio in Santa Cruz. The last time I was at the Rio it was still a movie thieater and I was watching a midnight showing of Footloose. The size makes an intimate performance venue with good sightlines. They've removed the front seat rows for standing, so there is plenty groove space. I was a little worried that I might have to sit due to the "movie style" venue.

The show itself was uneven but still quite worth it. The first hour was a bit rocky... it felt like they took Flansburgh's mike away because he couldn't gather enough focus to sing. Granted he really seems to be digging the guitar these days. In the second half when they brought the brass in, it really felt like they pulled together... especially their excellent rendition of Mr. Tambourine Man...who knew.

Gama-go Flipperoo Clock

2007-09-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

So ugly it's cute ... I hope. I still haven't bought batteries for mine... I got the green one. It's in the place of honour on top of my breadbox, and yet I'm not quite ready to take the plunge and experience its' complete flippy charm.

For more visit

Gama-go

The Deep and Romantic Song Stylings of the Flight of The Conchords

2007-08-19T23:40:00.001-07:00

Entitled "If You're Into It"

My Superpower

2007-08-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Corny I know, but also surprisingly accurate.

Your Superpower Should Be Mind Reading

You are brilliant, insightful, and intuitive.

You understand people better than they would like to be understood.

Highly sensitive, you are good at putting together seemingly irrelevant details.

You figure out what's going on before anyone knows that anything is going on!

Why you would be a good superhero: You don't care what people think, and you'd do whatever needed to be done

Your biggest problem as a superhero: Feeling even more isolated than you do now

What Should Your Superpower Be?

Charmed in Alviso, The Hidden Gem of the South Bay

2007-08-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

First of all I took these images from Theorem on Flickr, his photography is wonderful and actually does this beautiful area justice.

To see more visit :

More of Theorem's Photographs

There are some very nice walking paths along the marsh and also a number of untouched old buildings and signage. So near to the hustle bustle of the whole Mercado Madness, and it feels like a world away. They've put some money into making the waterfront into a welcoming walking area.

This actually reminded me a lot (on a smaller scale) of what was done along the Hudson in Riverside Park South particularly the part near the old freight transfer docks.

Riverside Park Wiki

Wishing I were Elsewares

2007-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'll get one of these with my next windfall. Since the wire broke on my Target special (looked classy, acted cheap), I'm thinking that I should upgrade my neckwear. This site has a lot of medium priced unique jewelry, and I enjoyed these particularly because of their simple playful look.

For More Visit:

Elsewares

Acme Glass Palo Alto

2007-07-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

A few pictures that I took when wandering the streets.

Charming Original Art by Ashley G

2007-06-24T00:43:00.000-07:00

So affordable and unique, these are two of my favorites. For more visit her at:

AshleyG

My New Bracelet, Dream a Little Dream...

2007-05-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

Slender, yet with a satisfying weight, my first real jewelry purchase for myself. I've been looking around generally, trying to find something that suits, and, that would have the simple unique feel that I have been seeking. I found this bracelet in Santa Cruz at Pacific Trading Company and I knew that it was the one. The Chekhov quote didn't hurt. It says " "We should show life neither as it is, nor as it should be, but as we see it in our dreams. - A. Chekov"

To see more visit:

Twist Online

Jeeves and Wooster Rappin

2007-05-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

I've been on a bit of a stodgy reading kick lately, a lot of P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster series to be precise. Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry played Jeeves and Wooster in one of the British versions (quite well I might add), but this clip shows them in a less stodgy light, as the gangstas that they truly are.

Inspirational Clip

2007-05-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

If you watch 'til the end, you'll get my drift.

Operetta: My newest Vogs

2007-04-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

So charming. So comfortable. As usual they look so much cuter on. Revel in their cuteness.

Bridges, and Dreams...

2007-04-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Make Your own Calendar

2007-03-30T01:45:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the 2006 calendar theme, another creative calendar idea. Take these and a magneto board from Ikea and voila, you have an infinitely changeable calendar setup. Add some dry erase markers and you're good to go.

Every Jot and Tittle

Fluevog...

2007-03-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

The latest addition to my fabulous footwear collection. While preparing for my upcoming jaunt to New york I knew I would need a new pair of comfortable, yet unique heels. I was able to purchase these on sale at the Fluevog store in San Francisco, and they are even more stunning on the foot than in the picture.

Fluevogs

Flor in Unlikely Places

2007-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

I've been a admirer from afar of the Fabulous Flor tiling carpet. I like to look at the catalog and dream of a hipper me. On a recent trip to Target, I noticed Rug in a Box, by Flor, stacked in the home improvement aisle. Imagine my surprise...

They only have a few options, but I feel they chose well. The flor site itself is a pleasure to play, on,designing the rug of your dreams has never been so easy. However with my penchant for intstant gratification, it's nice to know that I can find it at Target.

Flor at Target

Flor Catalog

New Threads for Your Sofa

2007-03-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

On this site you can give your old couch a new look. I've definitely felt limited by the Ikea selection of slipcovers,and I was so excited to find such a wide selection of fabrics to play with. These slipcovers look especially sharp on the sleek modern couches, but, in the interest of internet honesty I've included a picture of my comfy old Ektorp Sofa all dressed up.

Bemz Slipcovers

For the Bacon Lover in You

2007-02-25T22:44:00.000-08:00

I can't help but adore this bacon cooking alarm clock. It reminds me of the good old days when I lived next door to a yoga studio in Santa Cruz and assisted the Yogis in Bacon Awareness during their morning Asanas. Somehow they frequently chose the closed window Yoga approach while I was preparing my breakfast.

Bacon Clock

Dream Sheets

2007-02-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

When it comes to sheets I like to have them feel soft and peaceful, but not too Laura Ashley lacy. I've been trying to bring a few more colors and patterns into my home, and these sheets have a lot more going on than my gentle solids yet still feel like I'm in a bed, not in a designey delirium inducing wallpaper. I haven't purchased them yet, but I go to visit frequently, they live at CB2.

Dream Sheets

Hoplessly Comfortable

2007-02-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

Meet my new shoes. They passed the rigorous multi-hour walking and museum standing test with flying colors. Their first trip out of the box they felt completely broken in. Although I feel vaguely like a cartoon character when I wear them, they are so insanely comfortable that I can hardly contain my foot joy.

Keen Bronx Canvas ahhhh

Keene and Excellent

Recycling made attractive

2007-02-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

I really like these glasses, and, as I have a few more calendars than glasses, I think I should buy some to even out the calendar to glass ratio.

Recycled Bottle Glasses

Another Calendar

2007-02-01T01:30:00.000-08:00

Sitting on my hands trying not to order these Calendar tags. Trying to control the 2007 calendar madness.

You must admit they're so charmng and unique, there must be other uses for these tags... Hmmm

Tag Calendars

Where else can you find Modern Chairs and Dolly Parton Necklaces ?

2007-01-29T23:11:00.000-08:00

Although the quality of goods varies greatly, I have found some "finds" on etsy. Danielle Maveal is one of my favorites, her designs span the range, from arty, to whimsical (and so affordable too).

I own this slick fashionable chair necklace (pictured above), I was entranced by its' clean lines and sexy shape. The general public seems a little baffled by my outsider jewelry taste. I must admit, I haven't seen anyone else walkng around with a chair necklace. The Dolly Parton tribute necklace (also pictured) definitely has a strange fascination for me... so hard to choose.

To see more visit

Danielle Maveal Jewelry

Who Knew?

2007-01-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

I am amazed by these intricate paper construction pieces.

See More at

Peter Callesin

My Wonderful New Tablecloth

2007-01-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

After searching for a unique vintage tablecloth I finally found this, and, I adore it. It's great to add something so small to a room and suddenly feel it come together.

2007 the year of the Calendar

2006-12-29T02:14:00.000-08:00

I have loved (and bought) so many calendars for 2007 that I have dubbed it the year of the calendar. The First is from Manifesto Press. Subtle, letterpress ... ordinary objects made extraordinary. My sweetie and I gave this as a gift, and it was hard to let it go. But considering the 4 other calendars I have for this year...Perhaps Calendars are the new shoes.

A Brilliant Combination of Letterpress and Old Signage

2006-12-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

What could be better than this combination of two of my favorite things. I haven't seen anything like these before, and I'm completely impressed, both by the letterpress and the photography.

See more at :

Athenaeum Press

Athenaeum Flickr

A Thought for the New Year

2006-12-26T22:50:00.000-08:00

Art by Ryan Jacob Smith

see more of his stuff at :

Receiver Gallery

My (not so) secret trashy 80's Fascination

2006-12-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

Classy, I know, but this completely made my day.

2006-11-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

Lifted from happymundane.com, a song for the holidays.

250,000 bouncy balls in San Francisco

2006-11-20T19:15:00.000-08:00

Bouncy Ball Commercial

No CG and so pretty.

Words, living on you, living in you, living with you

2006-11-20T17:22:00.000-08:00

Shelley Jackson is having her book published through tattoo,on many different people. I find this a fascinating use of body art/ personal expression/ allowing someone else to use your body for their art/ literature.

Other words from the Book

I love these bracelets and ceramics, all are customizable. The half full bowl is completely charming.

Ceramics

Bracelets

Fonts and Words, how I love them.

Most Excellent Elephant.

2006-11-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Half Moon Bay at Dusk

2006-10-30T23:50:00.000-08:00

Getting there was a lengthy endeavor, but what a beautiful evening.

The best Sandwiches are in the little hotel on main street, homemade bread and delicious lean meats.There's a woman that keeps coming in with board after board full of freshly sliced loaves. These Sandwiches are more than a lunchy snack, they are so good that you want to have them for dinner with a good glass of red wine, some sliced tart green apple, and a little valhrona dark chocolate.

The way you always hoped a picnic would be.

Right around the corner from the most excellent sandwich shop is a little antique shop in a small outbuilding, I found a wonderful vintage tablecloth there, in greens and golds.

Finally, a camera of my own.

2006-10-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

Lately, within the past 3 to 5 years, I've been wanting to take pictures, particularly of favorite signs.

I finally found an entry level petite camera the Polaroid a520, while in the midst of a therapeutic shopping trip at Target.

Later that evening, after purchasing said petite Polaroid, my Sweetie and I went trolling in the Richmond, cameras in hand. These are a few of the things we saw. It was so satisfying...

If only all wishes could be fulfilled so easily.

Seduced By BBQ

2006-10-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight my Landlords hosted the food at their local Dive Bar Monday Night football game. I don't follow football but, I admit it, I was seduced. Food whore that I am, when I came home from doing errands late this afternoon, I found myself enfolded in the mists of BBQ coming from the round BBQ appariti in the back yard, near the lovely re-done garage that is my home.

WOW, not only was I treated to amazing BBQ (once inside this fabulous wood-panelled sanctuary of bar-ness) but I was given pool chips (by it's lovely patrons) to thank me for helping carry said BBQ into the Bar (these pool chips are worth one drink apiece). All I have to say is, best night of work ever. After all is said and done, if I'm going to have a vodka tonic (and generally I am a makers manhattan girl) it'll be at the lovely Mervyn's in Mountain View, and if I'm goiong to have BBQ... well my landlord makes the most succulent and tender chicken and beef ever.

Lemon Juju

2006-09-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I went wandering into a local Coffee Shop for an A.M. Java boost. There, in my morning daze I was given a wonderful Mix Cd, this track #3 Other Girl (by Lemon Juju, find the clip on their site), along with the Yodeling track # 18 are the two most favorite. Folky, yet fabulous.

Lemon Juju

The CD : Music Stew Volume 2 can be found at

Bazaar Cafe

Tired

2006-09-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Seeking my Buddha Self in the Lunar Madness

2006-09-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

To Summarize:

Long Week

Not Enough Sleep

Long Workdays

General Fatigue

Locked Keys in Car after driving 30min to hot tub place to "relax"...

After I got my keys I had 40 min. left to enjoy the Tubs before they closed. As an added perk I was given the opportunity to listen to obnoxious self actualized folks talking loudly about their enlightenment. Definitely money and time well spent.

Went for snack afterwards and was treated to high volume belligerant homeless rants while dining. Amusing sidebar, poured some ice cream into my rootbeer and it foamed over to an amazing extent, remeniscent of something that might happen to Lucy on I Love Lucy.

The bizzarities both large and small are numerous. I'm somehow uncomfortably out of sink with the world, like my insoles got replaced with a fine grain sand paper. I'm sure that this refining process will leave me somehow smoother.

Meanwhile trying to run away just leaves me with chafed feet.

Tom Wait's Asylum Years is such a comfort, no pressure to perk up from Tom. He seems to live in an eternal smoky haze of empty whiskey glasses, and twilight.

Palo Alto when the moon is almost full...

2006-09-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

I went out with my friend Don and his new camera tonight. These are a few of the Palo Alto Views that we saw.

When Fu Lam Mum and Egg Foo Yung are as good as it gets...

2006-09-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

First posted on Myspace Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Welcome to Mountain View, home of Google, the software engineer, and the Computer History Museum (formerly the main building for SGI formerly known as Silicon Graphics). You might think that "the view" would be a logical if not THE logical home for many late night eateries considering the late night habits of it's inhabitants... you would, sadly, be wrong. There are three notable exceptions to the rule of closing by 9 or staying open 'til 9:30 if you're a real night owl. Read and learn.

The first dining establishment is the Pho place with the sketch lighting, mediocre service, and super bad lemon soda, they are open 'til 1 or 2. Breadboxb suggests the 24 hour Safeway on Shoreline as fabulous alternative. This oasis which has better lighting, better service, and more dining options is a must see. With their latest remodel, to keep up with the Whole Foods opening at San Antonio, they have upgraded their produce and ramped up their look.

Option two is the Gyro place (near Sue's Indian) open fairly late, their service is great and the peroni beer is a light and tasty foil to the Lamb/Beef Gyro. Generous portions, inoffensive decor and reasonable lighting make this an enjoyable later night dining option.

Topping the list is the fabulous Fu Lam Mum. No matter who you are the service here will be anywhere from disinterested to a light awareness that you exist. I must admit that there is one fairly friendly accomodating server who has them make my special dish. Their food is mostly hideous to mediocre, however, the egg foo yung with barbequed pork, which is not on the menu, is super delicious and pairs well with Tsing Tao Beer which I must mention comes in a chilled glass. The decor is classic Chinese Kitsch, with chandeliers , a large fish tank, and partially tiled walls. Open until Midnight this is a must see / must dine for the late night dining aficionado.

Breadboxb, signing off, may all of your late dining be delicious, fresh, and eaten by the light of many chandeliers.

"I Don't Like it Spicy" A sideline: While eating my Foo Yung this evening this British guy comes into the restaurant, won't sit down and stands up reading the menu for a long time. He then goes through the menu asking the server if things are spicy, finally orders/sits down. I then watch him open the container of chili sauce, smell it and put a spoonful on his plate. He then takes a generous taste, shakes his head and uses his napkin to wipe it off of his plate... some days even the chili sauce is spicy.

The Simple Sandwich

2006-09-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

First Published on Myspace Friday, May 26, 2006

Sandwiches are a minor/major obsession/fixation of mine. When I say simple, what really mean is balanced, in taste texture and size. Simply perfect. Simply delicious. A sandwich that transports. So when I said to my Sweetie (shortly after our first meeting) that I could use a snack...maybe a simple sandwich, I believe that he was a bit taken aback as I began to saute sweet onions and go through a two step toasting and broiling process to achieve the most tasty simple sandwich possible. What follows are some simple sandwich ingredients and instructions... Because, there's nothing like a simple sandwich for either a snack or a meal.

At times simple sandwiches have included:
Sliced hard boiled eggs (the egg slicer is essential for this step)
Sauteed onions (sweet or purple)these can be seasoned (a little dill) or even spiced up with a little garlic,
Sliced boiled potatoes (these can be preboiled and kept in the fridge for spur of the moment potato needs),
Grated Cheese (sharp cheddar is usually very good)
Brown Mustard, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Ground pepper,
Sliced Ham, Herbed Turkey or Roast Beef (fresh from your butcher and sliced thin) Tomatoes can be added over or under the cheese depending on whether you like the cool contrast or the warm tomato
Also adding fresh arugula on top after broiling, or spinach (which can either be sauteed (particularly good with herbed turkey) or cold).

Basic preparation For a Sample Simple Sandwich :
Toast bread, until light brown (Acme Herb Slab, or Green onion Slab is good, although a sourdough will do Alfaro's Rosemary Garlic is pretty good)

Butter Bread with unsalted butter (it's sweeter)

Add Mustard I like Guldens Spicy Brown,( French's would ruin the subtlety and overpower the other tastes)

Layer on one or two slices of your meat

Add sliced boiled red potatoes 1/4 inch (maximum thickness), sauteed onions, and tomatoes

Finish with grated cheese (melts better and you don't need to use as much as sliced)

Grind pepper over the top and broil until top cheese is melted... it will be ready sooner than you think(!!)and oh the rapture.

Disliking the Format on Myspace, branching out

2006-09-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

As I was attempting to post thoughts on what is inspiring me of late, I became aware that I truly dislike the mypsace cover page format options. I definitely do not have the computer savvy to alter them appropriately. So here I am, in a much more pleasant space. Finally free to think aloud, and not have it come out looking like crap.