DETAILS:
Damien Hirst: The Complete Spot Paintings
January 12-February 10, 2012
Gagosian
456 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm
Click here for information on other locations

Alexander McQueen was known for many things in the fashion industry—among them, being unapologetic for his passion. I had not studied his collections nor had I read a single word about his life, but from the moment I stepped into the first room of “his house,” I was transported…sad, even, that I had not appreciated this young, brilliant talent before he took his own life.

As I moved from room to room, I started to realize that his inspiration wasn’t just some “out there” attempt at getting attention, but rather a much deeper, mad genius take on historical events, nature and above all, finding the beautiful in the ugly.  At one point, the score from Schindler’s List began against a video installation and the air became haunted and melancholy. Sure, his costumes were breathtaking, but bravo to the Met for a brilliant job of setting the perfect mood. Now, if only I could afford that Sarabande dress from spring/summer 2007 decked out in silk and fresh flowers…

“There is no way back for me now. I am going to take you on journeys you’ve never dreamed were possible.” -Alexander McQueen

NOTE: Alexander McQueen, Savage Beauty is now showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and was recently extended through August 7, 2011. If you can’t make the exhibit, you can still purchase the book.

TIP—if you go on a weekend, prepare to stand in line for tickets. You can avoid lines by becoming a member, which only cost $20 more than 2 tickets. Support the arts, avoid the lines-nuff said.

First things first. You must always have the right outfit, or in this case, be outfitted with
the right barware. Case in point— Cocktail Cups by Charles Schumann. I bought six.

If you are going to make me a [insert gin,vodka] tonic, please make it with Fever-Tree Tonic Water. Seriously, it really is the only tonic worth drinking.

Bitters makes everything better, and Bar Keeper has the biggest and best selection—which you will definitely need if you try to attempt any of these cocktail recipes .

I need a lesson from Marcos Tello, the mixologist behind some of LA’s finest bars i.e. The Edison, First & Hope. Pictured here, my special request at First & Hope for a drink similar to their former Blackberry Cobbler. This one was infused with rosemary—spectacular!

And finally, it’s five o’clock somewhere. Cheers, people!

Suzanne Griswold and Rachael Narins have made quite a splash within the food circles of LA. They are Chicks with Knives. Not only are they the creative force behind some of the city’s best secret dinners and cooking classes, but they specialize in pickles, often popping up in off beaten locations to blanket our town with their perishable canned goods (see also bacon jam—sinful).

It was a Sunday morning at Surfas, and I was ready to soak up as much info as I could, with visions of my perfectly packaged jars of pickles (à la Martha Stewart) ready to hand out to neighbors next Christmas. Well, the first hour alone was worth any price hesitation. Rachael gave us a very thorough run down of methods, common misconceptions (you shouldn’t pickle with your own homemade vinegar, and to think that was next on my list), and her favorite resources (The Joy of Pickling by Linda Ziedrich).

We partnered off and each got to make at least two different recipes, though we got to take home some of everything. My partner and I tried Classic Garlic-Dill Pickles and Spicy Mexican-Style Pickled Carrots & Jalapeño. Not only did we leave with new-found skills and seven jars of pickles, we also got a goodie bag filled with a canning kit, pickling spice and all the recipes. For more info on Chicks with Knives and to find out about their next pickling class, sign up for their newsletter. Here is a little peak:

Always start any recipe with beautiful fresh produce-preferably when someone else has done the shopping!

Pickling spice can be purchased or you can make your own (my preferred method)–luckily we got to take some home in our goodie bag.

We made quick, refrigerator pickles, which is very different and way less complicated than fermented pickles. Who knew! *See below for recipe courtesy of Chicks with Knives

I’m fast friends with anybody who understands the joy of pretty packaging and labeling!

The gorgeous goods: Spicky Mexican-Style Pickled Carrots & Jalapeño—Traditionally served as a condiment with Mexican food, but try chopping and adding to a green salad with sliced zucchini and crumbled feta cheese.

Kimchi-all I can say is WOW. A-mazing. And…a very clever tip, add in cold chicken stock, carrots and bean sprouts and serve as a chilled soup. Yes, I think I will.

Classic Garlic-Dill Pickles (Courtesy of Chicks with Knives)
Yields: 6 cups

1 pounds Kirby cucumbers
1 pound onions, sliced thin
2 tbsp salt
2 cups white sugar
6 each garlic clove
2 tsp pickling spice
2 tsp dill seed
4 cups white vinegar (1 liter)
1 cup dill weed sprigs

Slice the cucumbers thin. Layer in to a colander with the onions and sprinkle each layer with salt. Let stand for one to three hours (Note-we only let them stand about 15 minutes in the class and they still turned out great).

Rinse well.

Place the sugar, garlic, spices and vinegar in to a large non-reactive pan (such as stainless steel). Do NOT add the fresh dill. Bring to a boil. Add the cucumbers. Return to a boil and turn off the heat.

Pack the vegetables and fresh dill in to sterilized jars. Top with vinegar. Cool and seal.

Will be ready to eat in one or two days, but best about a week later. Will keep for a month in the fridge.

STEP 1: Buy pickling (Kirby) cucumbers at the Farmer’s Market (yes, there is a difference between these and regular cucumbers, specifically a thinner skin allowing the brine to penetrate).

STEP 2:  Wash, dry and slice said cucumbers.

STEP 3: Make a Pickling Spice and a Brine. Click here for the recipe I used

STEP 4: Add the cucumbers to canning jars, adding a little of the pickling spice and dill as you stack them. When your jar is full, cover completely with the brine.

STEP 5: Store jars with their lids loose in a cool, dark place for 3-6 days to ferment.

For complete instructions, try this recipe. My pickles were less crunchy than I would have liked and next time, I’ll use less clove.  Pick your Own has tons of information and ideas. While, I won’t be opening up a pickle stand anytime soon, it was a good first attempt. I can’t wait to pickle green beans when they are at their peak.

If you are in Los Angeles and need a hands on step-by-step lesson on making homemade pickles (I think I might!), check out Chicks with Knifes Workshop at Surfas on February 20th. I was a little stunned by the $125 price tag, but trial and error can add up, especially if grandma isn’t around to help you.

If you want to ease your way in, try this book “Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It”. Don’t miss the how-to video!

1. You’re the Love of My Life (But, I’m Young, A Lot Could Happen)-Nothing is more attractive than a sense of humor. Card by Hard Cards $3.50

2. Heart Doilies-An inexpensive way to add a little love to your romantic dinner decor. Paper Source $2.50/12 pack

3. Two Lovers at Sea-For the one you pine over. Card by Mr. Boddington $20/4 pack

4. Sweet Nothing-When whispering in their ear is simply not getting the message across.  Knock Knock $3.75

5. Your Mr. Darcy is Out There-At least keep telling your girlfriends that. Card by Borrowed and Blue on Etsy $5.00

6. You’re My Cup of Tea-When you haven’t gotten to the “I Love Yous” just yet. Card by Hello Lucky  $4.50

7. Funny Valentine Garland (background)-Paper garland is the new rose petals. Just don’t forget the candles. Mara May on Etsy $40

When you pay admission at Artisanal LA, you can take advantage of the ‘buy one get one free’ ticket over at Unique LA, across the street at the California Mart. This independent design and gift show has shops from over 300 local designers and artists, and is the perfect place to finish up your Christmas shopping. Though it was a tad overwhelming (vendors as far as the eye could see) and tons of people, we were inspired by all the local artists (my husband made out with three t-shirts) and my cat even got a new toy (thanks Modern Cat).

Now the WHOLE family can thank me.

NOTE: Come prepared to pay cash for everything! $5 parking available on Main between 8th and 9th…the cheapest we found. Tomorrow, December 12th from 11am-6pm is the last day.

Artisanal LA. Cooper Building. Corner of 9th and Los Angeles Streets. Downtown Los Angeles. $6 cash
Unique LA. California Market Center. 110 E. 9th Street. Los Angles, CA. $10 cash, discount with Artisanal LA wrist band

1. I’m a total paper diva, so anything by Snow and Graham is like my crack. I use these 100 times a day and I love that it makes the average post-it a lot more special.

2. I love the shape of this bottle. I love the taste of this tea (Jasmine and Rose are my favorites). Everyone knows to keep their hands off my stash. Nothing makes me happier than knowing my fridge is stocked with Teas’ Tea. And I mean NOTHING!

3. Suddenly tagging pages (a huge part of my job) just got a little more exciting with these colorful designs by Girl of All Work. I save these for the extra special pages.

4. Fragrance can transport you to another time and place…like this Rain candle by Votivo. It relaxes me and reminds me of cool weather, where you want to stay inside and cozy up by the fire. If I have to stay inside, I might as well set the mood.

5. Every time I reach for my PSA Stamp it makes me happy, smug even! I think to myself, yeah that’s right, I’m so organized, I even have a fancy stamp with my return address. Never let em see you sweat. * Use the code HOME3 for 30% off your order thru October 6th.

When my painter was finished coating my walls in Yukon Sky, I was left with a very purple bedroom, not at all in the realm of my vision. But…sometimes you just gotta work with what you’ve got. And that’s what I did. Considering, the whole project cost less than one of those custom made drapery panels, I don’t think it turned out so bad. Just not quite worthy of Carrie Bradshaw. *Sigh

THE INSPIRATION

Carrie & Big’s Bedroom in “Sex and the City: 2″

Carrie’s Bedroom at her old apartment given a very chic facelift.

THE OUTCOME

Throw pillows: Anthropologie, Bedding: Pottery Barn, Lamps: Vintage, Lampshades: Lamps Plus, Mirror: Z-Gallery, Silk Curtains: Pottery Barn *Though I am dying for a new upholstered bed, I decided to wait (for now).

With the end of summer comes the end of my balcony garden. Toldja I had a black thumb. All I can say is that I’ll try again next year. R.I.P. Eva Purple Ball Heirloom Tomato Plant, basil, mint and rosemary. Wish I could say you were good while you lasted…