Aim High, Swing Loh

I recently interviewed radio host Sandra Tsing Loh of KPCC. It was for the May Women in Arts issue, which I thought featured an elegant shot of art consultant Merry Norris--whose repertoire includes working as a collector for downtown's MOCA and aiming to get Shepard Fairey for the West Hollywood library.

I had a fun time talking with Ms. Loh, she is an amazing conversationalist (I would hope so if you've hosted your own radio show on KCRW and KPCC) and enjoyed telling me about her time at Caltech, being Caltech's first alumna commencement speaker, how she made it to the top and stayed there and of course, how she and her writers every week create the fast-talking "Loh Down on Science," which offers equal components of wacky, science sound bites and pop commentary. Tomorrow, I am attending a test pilot live performance of Loh's public radio quiz show--an invite extended to me post interview. Should  be fun and stimulating.

Please check out my story on Loh and leave your comments for christ's sake. And if you have more time, listen to one of my favorite of Loh's programs, Escape from Wholefoods (it's in four parts), an episode where she ventures into Pasadena's gargantuan Whole Foods on Arroyo and sees if she can escape without buying a single thing. Didn't know this, apparently my local grocery store (if I can even call it "local") is the largest Whole Foods west of the Mississippi. Wowzer.

 

Let's Not Water Down the Problem

Nothing irks me more than seeing someone brush their teeth or wash their dishes with the water running full blast—I mean where the water is spraying everywhere but NOTHING is underneath the faucet. I didn’t think I had many pet peeves, but that is definitely one of them. If watching fresh, precious water go straight down the drain without any use is not an obvious enough visual to know what waste looks like, I don’t know what is.

Seriously. Where is my documentary on water waste? I'd Netflix that!

But I come from the school of rehabilitation, which is why I’m sharing some info about Pasadena Water & Power offering their residents a free Water Conservation 101 workshop. Not only that, participants receive a free water saver kit ($40 value), and a chance to win a smart irrigation controller ($400 value) to boot. See their snazzy flyer. 

In addition, you'll get tips on what the best water-efficient landscaping is for our Southern California climate (ahem, succulents anyone?), and finally learn how to read your water bill. I signed up for the May 15 class, 9 to noon, but they also have another class on June 12. Workshop will be held at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle, 960 E. Walnut Street. Call (626) 744-3715 or just register online here. Just be sure to have your PWP account. If neither of those dates work for you, you can always check out their 24/7 online gardening class, which teaches you native plant selection, irrigation basics and landscape maintenance. I may have to check out the Native Nights class, which shows the benefits of using native California plants for a more water-efficient, low-maintenance, year-round blossoming garden. 

Happy water saving and see you (hopefully) at the workshop!

Not sure how much water is actually being wasted in your everyday routine? Check out some quick facts here from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

-Today, some 25 million Californians face an ongoing water shortage (19 million being from southern California)

-Turning off the water when brushing your teeth saves three gallons of water a day.

-Spending only five minutes in shower saves 25 gallons each time.

-Wash only full loads in dishwasher save 15-20 gallons per load.

-Fixing leaky faucets can save 20 gallons a day.

Swimsuit Season Equals Workout Season

It's always funny to me how as soon as the tiniest glimmer of summer season rolls into Los Angeles, suddenly everyone discovers an inner wanton need to exercise till the cows come home. Well, it is Los Angeles and we're not exactly a "layers" kind of crowd if you know what I mean. I'm guilty of this fair weather fan-of-exercise as well. There's no question I get excited for the warmer seasons because that means easy going, comfortable tanks and shorts and breezy dresses. Plus, I get cold so easily it even annoys me that I have to keep an emergency-cold sweater in the car. Good thing for me, it feels like summer comes a little early (and stays a little longer) in Pasadena. It's great until we reach August, but we'll blog about that later ... Today, I was happy to see these workout vids featuring Tracy Anderson, who is pretty decorated in terms of who she's helped tighten and strengthen (Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna). These are great short vids if you got some living room space and 20 minutes. Remember, these should offer a good challenge since it's engaging more than just your core muscles. In other words, don't just swing your legs aimlessly and hope it works. Really think about the muscles you're using and try to challenge yourself where it feels the most weak, whether that's your legs, sides or stomach.

Even if you're a fair weather fan-of-exercise, these options are so short, you'll quickly jump start your endorphin high, and can do them while watching Family Guy -- which isn't half bad as I've recently discovered.

Kick Away Those Love Handles

No Butts About this Workout

More workout vids from Tracy. 

Prickly Love

If you’re like me and other green thumb-challenged folks, you’ve killed (i.e. overwatered, underwatered, sunburned, or neglected till death ensued) your share of once-living-breathing plants. We get it; you want to fill your home with impressive flowers and foliage. Unfortunately, a number of plants can require a lot of general maintenance, which many of us can’t – or, let’s be frank, refuse – to offer. But rather than, er, planting the blame on yourself for your orchids dying before seeing their first birthday, take a cue from floral designer Kelly Harris of Succulent LOVE.

Harris started her company from what she calls, “embracing an obsession.” The two-time Unique L.A. designer couldn’t get enough of the hardy, yet modernly elegant succulents and began her venture as purveyor of the little plants following her Palm Springs wedding. Her wedding, which featured an ensemble of textures, colors and arrangements of the native desert beauts, was later featured in Knot Magazine. Everything from the bouquet, centerpieces (later doubling as favors) to décor was inspired from succulents.

“I really loved designing with them and got some great responses after the wedding,” says Harris. “I decided to turn my time playing in the dirt into a business.”

Known to thrive under even the most neglectful plant owner, succulents do best with infrequent watering and when left to bask in the sun. Moreover many succulents, including Agave utahensis, Yucca whipplei and Opuntia phaeacantha (Mojave prickly pear) are local to California and sustainable since they require less of a resource like water and fertilizer. 

The SucculentLOVE collection arrangements are planted in vessels, fish bowls, crates, mason jars and her newly available beastie ceramic models. “The beastie planter was a collaboration with Jen Kuroki of Jen E ceramics,” says Harris. “We teamed up and will be offering new designs in the coming months as well.  The beastie is currently available, but as each one is made by hand there is a bit of a waiting list before your beastie can come home with you.” 

SucculentLOVE offers personal orders, events and weddings and is available onlineand at Firefly at Abbot Kinney.  Spaced on Mother’s Day? It’s still not too late toorder mommy dearest her fav succulent or cacti combination.

Not sure how to tend to your new prickly love? Check out Kelly’s personal tips on how to care for succulents. 

Be sure to read this article and other green living tips at your daily thread. 

What Habit Did You Shift Today?

Today unfolded into a beautiful Sunday spent in the sun at Coldwater Canyon. Tree People hosted the event, Celebrate Motherhood & Mother Earth, to ahem, celebrate both being green and the launch of pregnancy awareness month (PAM). The setting couldn’t have been more of a treat, with lush greenery and hiking trails galore. High profiles included actress/beauty entreprenuer Josie Maran, holistic author Anna Getty and Ricki Lake, who, along with dozens of Angelenos walked the area and sampled the vendors. 
One of the items discussed during the panel (see photo below) was what earth-unfriendly habit you shifted or changed lately. One woman on the panel, Elizabeth Rogers, author of "The Green Book," offered this small but smart tip. "I made my own at-home spa body scrub." Rogers, who professed she was  not a crafty person, combined olive oil and brown sugar -- and in less than an hour, voila, homemade body scrub. I found this simple recipe online. One recent thing I feel qualifies as a shift in my habits was getting more water conscious. Granted, I DO NOT pay for my water bill, so this was not out of saving $ - although that's usually a bonus when being more sustainable and conserving. Two months ago, I installed  this low flow Roadrunner showerhead by Evolve. Ever brush your teeth or do another activity, while the shower "warms up"? Bet you never realized about 8 gallons of water (per every five-minute shower) actually gets wasted going straight down the drain. The way it works is I turn on the showerhead and as it warms up to about 95 degrees its trickling mode kicks in, basically cutting off the water. When I'm ready to jump in, I just pull a little chord and presto! Hot water ready and flowing just for me. 
I think the whole event, regardless if you're a mommy-to be or not, provided great examples, tools and (locally made) products worthy of any eco-curious person to take note of. Yes, I did see A LOT of baby-lugging men around the event too!  Just goes to show, being green isn't just for the ladies. 
Below are some of my favorite vendors I checked out. 

The vendor scene at Coldwater Canyon.

Vendors were reachable via trails and steps in the area.

 

A garden sits atop the Treepeople lot.

The nearby conference building is LEED certified.

Treepeople's bathroom even had the dual-flush toilets.

Displays from SucculentLOVE were scattered throughout the event. 

Fishbowl fabulous. I am planning on purchasing one as a housewarming for a friend who just moved into her new place.

A wall of paper roses made for an earthy ambiance.

Goers walk to and from vendors at Treepeople.

Arcona Skincare's setup in the conference building. Arcona is L.A.-based and named after chemist and founder Arcona. They're ingredients are cold-processed leaving cosmeceutical-grade ingredients like enzymes and antioxidants, active. Most skin care products are heat-processed, loosing a loosing a lot of original nutrients.

Arcona was giving out sample kits like this, which include a cranberry toner The pink color is made from beets - something I've seen cupcake makers do.

Bellybuds are speakers that  plug into your ipod or digital music player and adhere to the belly. It sticks with an adhesive hydra gel (skin-safe adhesive). Sound-dampers help keep noise level down for passer byers if the mommy-to be is out and about.

One happy prego woman walked around to show off the ultra-cute Bellybuds. 

There were myriad children's clothing vendors. This little tee caught my eye because of the message, "Drive a hybrid." 

I stopped by the Compai table to say hi to its co-founders Faith and Justina Blakeney (yep, they're sisters). I've written on the line before and it's a great sustainable option if you still like a little eclectic funk in your eco-friendly clothes.

I snagged a little sample of vegan, Fair-Trade chocolate Nicobella. Some of the richest chocolate. For this event, they debuted their Nicobella Mama bar, made with 72 percent chocolate with candied walnuts and toasted flax. But all their bars are rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 and fiber. Above is their lovely line of truffles. 

The Coolhaus ice cream truck also made its way through the trails to treat Treepeople goers.  

Echo, the water sponsor, started on the premise that there was no need to ship water from long distances,  use filtered local, municipal water. The co-founders connected on Facebook after high school, decided they wanted to embark on a worthy project and the rest is history.  

I snagged a couple sample bags of Seasnax, a seaweed alternative to chips. There are tons of seaweed snacks out there, but how many of them are made with 100 percent olive oil? And if you're wondering, yep, they're delicious.  

 A couple of years ago, John Weaver, the master roaster for Pete's Coffee left his post to start a Fair-Trade, organic Weavers Coffee. 

Beautiful sustainable wood sculptures made for unique decor. 

This modern-ish pendant lamp caught my eye and made me wish they were on sale there. 

Tête-à-Tête with Tim

Yesterday afternoon I was assigned to go talk with America's favorite style guru, and host of Project Runway Tim Gunn, who stopped in Pasadena. Gunn, the three-year Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne, parent company to Kate Spade, offered colorful advice on style, attire tips and of course, what to expect from the colorfully monochromatic brand this season. Gunn's San Gabriel Valley landing attracted dozens of stylishly coiffed women and men - armed with complimentary champagne -- all whom literally filled the Colorado Blvd. shop to the doorway.

"This is a very fabulous Kate Spade-looking room," proffered Gunn, who spoke at length on style tips and color choices, dropping his infamous lines, "Make it work!" and "Don't disappoint me!" to an enthusiastic crowd. Seriously, everyone was all smiles as they caught a glimpse of the famous Parsons and fashion icon who's mentored countless now-major designers. I sat down with Tim for our tête-à-tête, where he discussed his first visit to Pasadena, being the Liz Claiborne CCO, finding the silver lining and responsbility among this economic downturn and getting the right value for the dollar. Mid-interview, Gunn even offered a quick compliment on my feather earrings. I found Tim to be one of the most genuine interviewees I've had, contrary to working (I'm guessing) around fashion divas, Tim offered a firm handshake or two and caring smiles before and after our interlude. He was one of the first high-profile interviews to also tell me back, "thank you, it was a pleasure talking with you." I'll post it here when my story comes out next month. Until then ...

Smart People in Business

Check out this great story from Shop-Eat-Surf on my brother-in-law Brad. I'm posting this story written by Shelby Stanger. It's from a month ago, but a goodie.

Core Careers: Brad Lyle, Sole Technology's Director of Sales 
By SHELBY STANGER | March 10, 2010 06:00 AM

Today in our Core Careers series, Sole Technology Director of Sales Brad Lyle shares the three most important lessons he's learned in his career, how he keeps his team positive in a tough retail climate and his tips for prioritizing.

What were you like as a child and teenager? Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?

I was always pretty mature for my age, very focused on enjoying life. I was the guy all my friends' parents (or girlfriends) wanted around - a good influence I guess, which really just meant I didn't get in much trouble and stayed focused on finding good waves for fun. I always had a pretty level head.?? I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My dad was always in sales, so I planned to follow that same path, but I also knew early on that I couldn't sell something I didn't believe in or have a passion for, so being able to realize that goal in our industry is a blessing I am grateful for. We are lucky!

How did you get started in the industry?

A good friend of mine, Cordell Miller, was a pro surfer/shaper in the early 90's who needed help running the business aspect of creating a surfboard label. He made me a partner in the business and the rest is history. So surf hardgoods was my start, but like anything, the relationships I established then were instrumental in getting my shot at Sole Tech, where I still enjoy coming to work every day.

What are three key lessons you have learned during your career?

1. As a leader, it's all about them (them, being the team you lead). Nobody can do a great job alone, and if your role is to lead, then it's critical to achieve your own success through your team's success.

2. Have a plan. A good idea is just that. A good idea, with a plan to execute it, leads to a good end result.

3. Always follow the part of your gut that says, “This is the right thing to do.” When you do that, you're probably making the right call and will sleep well. If not, you'll at least learn something valuable!

Can you explain what you do now?

I direct sales for all of the Sole Technology brands here in the US - Etnies, eS, Emerica, Altamont, and 32. It is an honor and privilege to work in a company with a family vibe, great brands that really stand for something, and an owner I know and trust. To do things for the right reasons - that perspective makes all wins exciting and all challenges worth fighting.

What is the biggest challenge at work at the moment? How are you handling it?

Adjusting to a new reality for the state of our market, and the state of retail in general. I am doing all I can to create a low stress environment for my team and focus on the top priorities; keeping good perspective every day, and partnering up with specialty retailers that keep the spirit of our action sports culture alive. In the end, we need them to remain profitable in their support of our passions, so leading the effort of our team, to facilitate that, is a top priority in my work.

What qualities do you value in your direct reports?

Dedication to our brands and retail partners, seeing the big picture, taking action, and doing what's right with integrity - knowing I can count on them.

You have a lot of demands on your time. Any tips on how you juggle meetings, email, projects and managing employees?

Prioritization! Having a proactive plan to address the biggest priorities first, in the time frames needed, and keeping commitments aligned with what is realistic. You can't do everything, but you better deliver what's necessary, in all aspects of life and business.

I try to tackle the really quick things (like less than a minute) on the spot, delegate what's appropriate, and plan the rest. I also try to be clear when, "No," is the most appropriate answer, but to do that, you must know clearly what is more important and stay focused on that, and then some things are urgent and important. Knowing when to drop everything and handle a true emergency can sometimes have a great impact to many things beyond the obvious. So yes, it's a balancing act to say the least, but I love it!

What has been your biggest accomplishment at your current job?

Establishing and maintaining an A+ sales team in the US to keep all of our brands in a strong position with our valued retail partners. That's a bit broad I know, but really that's what I’m most proud of - my team and their accomplishments through some tough retail periods that haven't been easy to navigate.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Live each day like it could be your last. Life is a gift, not to be wasted.

What do you want to be doing in five years?

The same thing as now - striving to have a positive impact on anything I do, whether it be loving my wife, raising my kids, growing our brands, serving our retailers, or something I haven't even dreamed of yet, you can bet it will be doing something I believe in, with 100% effort to a balanced list of priorities. I would love to have the professional portion of that be here at Sole Technology after five years of growth and prosperity.

Where can we find you when you are not working?

In the ‘burbs taking care of my family, in the water, on the hill, or on the golf course. Aliso Viejo, CA is home and I love it!

Tavin: A Taste of World Bazaar in Echo Park

If you haven't had a chance, check out a recent post of mine on one of Echo Park's chicest boutiques. Tavin.

Elle Decor and More Happy News

This month offered some unexpected and charming surprises, from getting my own bungalow in the land of heaven (no, literally my neighborhood is called "bungalow heaven"), acquiring my first flat screen monitor (thank champagne with Amelia for that one), getting to redesign an entire home on my own, to having something I'd written, published in a national magazine, Elle Decor. For as long as I can fricken imagine, I'd always wanted to break into national consumers and technically I have, so I'm letting myself feel a little proud of somehow convincing Editor in Chief Margaret Russell that my scribbled commentary on the changing media landscape was worth her beans to be selected and placed among the lucky few in her kingdom of glossy.

Very soon I will be at the editorial helm of one of the Seven Sisters, or the like. Until then, you can read up on my latest post at your daily thread.

As I write this, the phone is ringing (don't worry, not on my desk) and I'm experiencing the irritating feel of 68 degree office a/c - all the while thinking of the beautiful weather I'll encounter this weekend and all the fun I'll have scouting Apartment Therapy and Craigslist for a buffet/credenza and working on my house. Just last night, a friend helped me set up my kitchen counter and island situation. TGIF (thank God I've Friends) Click here to check out my new home.  

Keep in touch,
sarah

If You Give a Writer an Onion

Something set me off the other night. I was literally chopping stuff for dinner and enjoying a glass of wine, feeling really mellow. When, without warning, I suddenly stopped chopping; put both hands on the chopping block and started feeling a flood of frustration and curious thoughts about the past. Feeling so relaxed, I had unknowingly dropped all emotional guard and became a flood of emotional states--past and present. Without a second to flex whatever physiological muscles I had to hold it in, my eyes let out. Something inside me that I had resisted for so long, suddenly and so mercilessly flooded my surface. I wish I could blame my pathetic tears on the half-chopped onion.

I’m not the best orator by any means, but put me in front of a typewriter and I can conjure up and convey feelings in ways as comfortable as one is with breathing. I’m sorry if you’re a man and you’re reading this, but the thing I was most frustrated about at that moment was, well, the men I’ve had in my life—to be more precise, the way I had allowed myself to imagine the WAY MEN SHOULD BE. Here is what the uber romantic Romeos in my life have dished thus far:

“I think we should see each other for a few hours this weekend.”

“I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s embarrassing to think about Sarah while out in public. In short, you make me horny.”

“I’m not really a good dancer, but a guy says that because it impresses the girl.”

“Have you rid yourself of that tan line?”

Here’s what I was frustrated about. Not just the let down, but the build up about men. At 27 years old, I’ve decided guys, like the stupid nice and giving ones you see in movies, in fairy tales, or the ones you make up in your journal during high school, simply don’t exist. They're a castle in the sky. (I’m talking to you ridiculous Twilight and You’ve Got Mail gals). Bottom line: we’re going about it all the wrong way.

Think of it this way. Does the idealized woman portrayed in the form of Angelina Jolie to Salma Hayek—mother or lover—exist? Aren't these obviously exaggerated itemized qualities (perfect smile, sex life, to mother of your children) as unreal as the prince who kisses his bride to blissful consciousness? Women, perhaps, for a variety reasons, I feel dote more on this standard than do men (we are more emotionally, than visually stimulated than men).  From the day they’re old enough to read Sleeping Beauty, they begin to nurture this incredibly impossibly romantic and passionate notion about men. Having recently witnessed a handful of long-term relationships—including my own—come to an end, I feel I can speak from effing experience. Let me explicate: They do exist, just not in the fabricated (stupid) sense women expect. They might exist for a weekend, a month in Europe or maybe even a few years or decades. A time structure shouldn’t take away from your experiencing that “now happiness” that even decades later, you will still recollect and secretly smile about in your car when a certain song comes on.

Why can’t we depend on that thing that has truly proven itself over the existence of our species—change.

I won't recoil if you call me a jaded Jennie, as my NYC friend recently did. But I’ve felt some dramatic changes in me in the last year and I’m starting to fall into the belief of having multiple “true loves.” And who says that’s a bad thing? Life is a gift and variety is definitely a part of that. They say reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll be among the stars (blah blah blah). I’m learning part of “reaching,” is actually half the fun. Forget the moon, ladies, let's grab as many stars as we can--and maybe avoid chopping onions for a while.