Inspiration Found on Family Fun Trip to Calico Ghost Town

A few weeks ago, while visiting my daughter and her family to celebrate the birth of their son Everett, Richard and I decided to take their two older kids to Calico Ghost Town. Calico Ghost Town is located just a few miles east of Barstow off I-15. Exit I-15 at Ghost Town Road.  It is free to get in normally, but this was a special President's Day weekend event and there was a $10.00 charge. We saw the likes of President Abraham Lincoln, as he recites the complete Gettysburg address.  We also enjoyed the Civil War re-enactors from the Southwest region of the American Civil War Society as they bring the Civil War to life.  

Blues and barn browns were all abound in Calico

Calico is Open every day, no reservations are required.  Calico was built during an 1881 silver strike, the largest strike ever found in California. The town boomed until the mines started to dwindle out in 1896 and by 1904, it was a ghost town. Today it's a tourist attraction, and a great place for a design enthusiast like myself to find some old-world inspiration.

I was so inspired by the the blues and browns I saw.  What a classic color palette.  The Victorian era furnishings were so polished-looking even for today's design standards.  I can easily see how sophisticated these styles would be in someone's more modern home design. 

My favorite attraction at Calico was the Lucy Lane Museum.  The artifacts, photographs and documents gave the guests an amazing opportunity to see what life was like for the people of Calico.

Some attractions we visited at Calico:

Maggie’s Mine - Replica of a mine demonstrating conditions in where the miners worked

Mystery Shack - Crooked house where water runs uphill

Lucy Lane Museum- Artifacts, photographs and documents from Calico’s origin.

Calico-Odessa Railway - Take an 8 minute tour riding the narrow-gauge mining train that circles the town.

 Calico Ghost Town website

Other charming Ghost towns on my list:

·       Bodie, a Sierras gold rush town east of Yosemite

·       Columbia State Historic Park, Sierra foothills

·       Rhyolite, near Death Valley

SAC Fashion Week 2012

Caren Templet looking striking in Orange

Sacramento's premier fashion event took place last night downtown. Make a Wish Foundation was the recipient of the funds gathered through this event. Many sponsors and supporters gathered in the beautiful ballroom of the Elks Lodge's second floor. This was the sixth year of the event. Caren Templet was the designer, mentor and host for the evening. What a stylish and beautiful example to set for these young designers.

www.Carentemplet.com

As a VIP guest, my group (consisting of four friends who sew and my Mom) enjoyed the pre-party activities and to our pleasure a special gift bag on our chairs when we arrived.  Designer for Saturday Nights show consisted of Dolzenrok, Julian Gutierrez, Natalie Minori Sconce, PDLM, Soul Latvanen, Vasily Vein and Yennie Zhou.

I also had the pleasure of meeting personal Stylist Amy Wister.  She is a professional in her field and teaches clients how to best dress for your body shape and find your personal style.

The models were beautiful and professional.  I was surprised to learn they had auditioned for this event just a month prior.  For a peek at the audition check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmcooqPXnb0&feature=colike

I made some new and exciting contacts during the VIP reception.  I also learned a great deal about the industry.  I was even told an insider secret -- one can rent jewelry for these types of formal events. A perfect option when a simple heart locket just won't do.  (Check it out at: www.sadiaz.com)  Meeting so many wonderful people, I have decided the fashion industry today is not the snobby trendsetters of yesterday, but a tight-knit fashion community. I'm so glad I went to the show, and I fully intend to go again next year.

For more photos and information on Fashion Week and to watch for updates on next years event go to: www.sacfashionweek.com

DIY Cleaning Products!

I have ALWAYS been very interested in our environment and in 1978 I pledged to “Go Green.” Each new year gives me reason to stop and consider what else I could do to be better at being green. Around our house we already do most of the typical things – recycle, eat locally grown produce and even grow a few of our own strawberries, grapes, citrus and veggies.  We also compost and support local farmers by buying their soaps, honey, jams and more.  I always shop with reusable bags and I even take a commuter bus to work and work from home as often as possible. So while I’m not exactly giving No Impact Man a run for his money, there is a long list of things I can do to reduce my impact even more...

Of late, I have been experimenting with the idea of replacing our off-the-shelf cleaning products with natural, non-toxic alternatives that I can make at home from a few simple ingredients. Not only are these homemade cleaners better for the environment, they are also healthier and significantly cheaper. There are many variations, but here are some common recipes for natural cleaning products I found online:

 

All-purpose Cleaner

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp baking soda
• 1/4 gallon hot water
• a few drops of essential oil (optional)

Combine ingredients in a bucket, stir, then allow the mixture to cool before pouring into a spray bottle.

Glass Cleaner

• 2 tsp white vinegar
• 1/4 gallon water
• a few drops of lemon essential oil (optional)

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Wipe the glass surface with crumpled newspaper.

 

Furniture Polish

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Store extra in the refrigerator to prevent lemon juice from souring.

Dishwasher Soap

• Equal parts borax and washing soda

Mix the ingredients and store in a labeled container. Use the amount normally called for in your dishwasher.

Laundry Soap

• 1 cup unscented, dye-free soap (such as Ivory), grated or ground with a food processor
• 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1/2 cup borax
• a few drops of essential oil (optional)

Combine the ingredients and store in a labeled container. Use 1 tbsp for lighter loads and 2 tbsp for heavy loads.

To learn even more go to

http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2011/02/homemade-cleaning-products-non-toxic.html

And to download labels you can print go to:

http://gardenberger.blogspot.com/2011/06/homemade-labels-for-our-homemade.html

Micke Grove Japanese Garden: Bringing the Outside In

While on a recent trip to Lodi, California, my niece and I visited the Micke Grove Japanese Garden.  Julie and I enjoyed the trip and I was inspired by the beautiful and unique gardens.  As we were walking through I thought of different ways that I could bring the outside-in in my design work.  I could visualize these amazing views through french doors to a living room using these muted neutral tones in a minimalist design style.

While on the tour, I also learned a great deal about Japanese Gardens.  The gardens are influenced by three religions.  Shintoism is expressed in the use of stones, Buddhism is visible in the use of lanterns and Taoism is manifested in the islands.  

 

I appreciated the architecture seen in the buildings and bridges throughout the gardens.  The red arch bridge is of typical Japanese design and includes eight bronze lotus flower bud finials.  I loved the color contrast of the bright red bridge against the lush greens, browns and grey tones of the gardens and stones.  I can always appreciate a trip in which I learn something new and become inspired for future design ideas. The trip to the gardens was an amazing experience to share with my niece.

Check out my blog next week to see my color swatches and room inspiration from this trip!

-Jonelle

Pinterest Obsession

For those of you that don't already know, Pinterest has become a sort of internet-craze as of late.  And I am right smack in the middle of it.  Pinterest is an amazing site where you can create personalized pinboards to display your ideas, pictures, inspiration, etc., known as "Pins."

I have been recently been throwing around the idea to re-design my living room.  This morning, I was inspired by an amazing color swatch I found!  I already have red couches (I will switch out from family room) and neutral colored walls, now all I need is some accessories for that added pop.  So excited for this amazing inspiration this morning!

Source: design-seeds.com via Jonelle on Pinterest

If you are already on Pinterest, I would love to share ideas with you!

Best Valentine's Ever!

On Valentine's Day, this Nana had something to be excited about!  A brand new baby boy for my daughter, Makay, and son-in-law, Joshua.  I had the pleasure to take the train down to Fort Irwin, CA and visit the happy family. 

Little Everett joins big brother, Beau, and big sister, Kiera Jo.  He was born in a hurry one day shy of 37 weeks weighing in at 5 lbs, 6 oz.  He sure is a little cutie and I so enjoyed giving him lots of love while I was down there!

Kiera, Beau and **New brother Everett at home

Congratulations Makay and Joshua on your cute little bundle of joy.

Hopefully, your Valentine's Day was filled with love as well!

Eye Candy for Valentine's Day

 

True Designer fashion… a favorite of mine is the newly discovered Mars and Valentine Modern-Vintage and antique jewelry, cameos, antique Italian micro mosaics, antique button castings, Japanese and German antique pressed glass pieces re-set in sterling silver, brass and 18kt gold with modern embellishments.

Wonderful piece of Mars and Valentine, the perfect Valentines gift!

The mother-daughter mastermind behind Mars and Valentine seeks to revitalize the past through its creation of timeless, one-of-a-kind jewelry using found vintage pieces, various genuine stones, fine ivory cameos, gouda percha Victorian antique cameos, Italian mini mosaics, antique watch fob chain and sterling silver. They compose a symphony of pure elegance for the wearer that is sure to turn any eye

This is Jane Powell co founder of Designer Consigner

Probably one of the finest discoveries on the second hand market, their bracelets, earrings and necklaces are made using  These are limited edition or one of a kind pieces.  The piece on the right came from my favorite Designer Consignment store in Granite Bay, CA.

I think you can see why I wanted to share with you the Mars and Valentine line of Jewelery.  Below are some pictures for you to savor, and more can be found on their web site at: http://marsandvalentine.com/  Each piece is exquisite, all handmade and designed in NYC, New York. They use British, American, Italian, & French antique components are incorporated into the designs. They make special castings in sterling and brass. Each one is accented with semi-precious white topaz, pearl, peridot, blue topaz, pink and green tourmaline, citrine and lemon topaz stones.

Check it out, they are Simply Gorgeous!

 http://marsandvalentine.com/

 

Designer Consigner -

designerconsignergb.com

(916) 993-3800 - 6945 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay, CA

I love this place.  You see some of the most beautiful clothes, shoes, designer bags and jewelry.  The co founders Judith and Jane Powell find some of the most incredible pre-owned luxury items for their shop.  They are so knowledgeable and fun to be around.  If you want to go, just give me a call and save me a spot in the car!

Happy Valentines Day, friends!

If you have not gotten around to a Valentines Gift for your sweetheart, why not make a rice crispy treat heart to say "I love you."  It's simple and a very appreciated gift.  I made one for Richard a day ago and well it's almost gone!  I used a heart shaped pan I have, but you could just shape it with your hands, or use cookie cutters and group a few together.

Some other fun ideas:

* Use cellophane bags and tied them off with curling ribbon.  

* Valentine stickers on wrapper and put a lollipop stick into it to make rice crispy treat lollipops. 

* Make a few treats and place them in a Valentine's coffee cup.  

Don't forget to add a gift tag with a romantic or cute gift message and you've just made a fun, delicious and unique Valentines Day gift!

Here's the recipe I use, from www.ricecrispes.com:

3 tablespoons   butter or margarine

1 package (10 oz., about 40)   regular marshmallows

   OR

4 cups   miniature marshmallows

Food coloring (optional)

6 cups   Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal

Assorted candy sprinkles

Send me a photo of your creation. :)  Jonelle'

Rattlesnake Bar Horseshoe Trail

Enjoy a day hike in the Auburn area!

Pioneer Express Trail

Directions: I-80 East at the Capital City Freeway, drive 15 miles east on I-80 to Loomis and exit at Horseshoe Bar Road. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Horseshoe Bar Road; bear left and immediately take the next left turn onto Horseshoe Bar Road. Continue on Horseshoe Bar Road 3.4 miles to Auburn-Folsom Road. Turn left and drive 2.3 miles to Newcastle Road, where you will turn right and follow it 1 mile to Rattlesnake Road. Turn right and follow the road another mile to the pavement end. To the left is the boat-launch area; the right fork leads to your trailhead. Drive slowly over the chuck holed road and keep right about 1,000 feet to reach a large dirt parking lot conveniently located in front of the trailhead. The trailhead sits behind some boulders about ten feet inside the trees opposite the lake. A large sign indicates the mileage and directions on the Pioneer Express Trail.

Dogs: Yes Leash Required: Yes

Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 4.7 miles, out and back
Difficulty: Easy

Sources: 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Sacramento
Access: $5.00 parking fee
Facilities: None at trailhead; toilet at boat ramp
Special Comments: No water available at trailhead or on trail. Bring an adequate amount of fresh water, wear water proof boots.

Description: This hike starts at Rattlesnake Bar, where Folsom Lake nears its upstream boundary and you can select your preferred endpoint, the near side or far side of Horseshoe Bar Road on the other side of the U. Rattlesnake Bar was covered with hundreds of houses, cabins, and tents in the 1850s and was one of several bars connected by trails from the river to the Auburn-to-Sacramento Road.

The hike was a pleasant 2-plus miles.  The return trip seemed easier and not as steep – as return trips always seem, perhaps because it's now familiar territory.  One highlight coming back was seeing some deer, including a nice buck.  The other highlight was that, even on a day in the upper 90s, we didn't encounter a single rattler sunning itself on the trail – not even at Rattlesnake Bar.  I encourage you to try this trail if you are a local or just visiting the area.  When you are done you can linger at the water’s edge or explore for more blackberries. The Pioneer Express Trail continues 6 more miles to Granite Bay, and beyond that it travels 37 miles to Discovery Park in Sacramento. Your route back retraces your path.