And life gets in the way...

Posting has been a bit light this past week or so, and there are two particular reasons why...  

1. Work, work, and more work.  Not that I could complain about it, because I really do enjoy my work- but wow, has it been non-stop lately.  Remember this video of Elliott?  Well, it inspired a similar short movie for Ambiance, downtown.  If you're curious, you can see it here.  It was a lot of fun, but a LOT more work than my little home movie.

I'm also really excited to share that an image from this photo shoot was chosen to run as a full page ad in the recent "Best of SLO" insert.  It's only my fourth ad photo, but I'm just tickled about it.

2.  Ok, last but nowhere near least: Awful, horrendous, the worst...  Allergies.  Are you suffering too?  I'm going on my second week of the worst attack I've had all year, and my brain has been reduced to a worthless fuzzball- something resembling Pascal's tail.

So there it is...  the good and the bad, and the delicate balance of both.  C'est la vie, friends.  ♥

P.S.

Speaking of "Best of SLO"... I am SO very proud of my darling dearest who won Best Visual Artist for the 3rd year running.  I can tell you in all honesty- that I don't know anyone more deserving and more committed to his craft than Jeffrey.  Though yes, I am completely biased.  ♥

NOVO love...

It's no secret that I'm a huge Novo fan. It's not just that I'm addicted to the spring rolls and the scallops... It's not just the incredible creekside setting... A few years ago the good folks at Novo even allowed me to invade their kitchen when I found myself tormented over the prospect of culinary school. They're the sweetest.

 Ok, the truth is, I love everything about Novo. I love that it's a fun, casual spot to catch up with girlfriends and share tapas. I love that I can roll in with a baby and stroller and know that no one's going to glare at me. And like that perfect versatile dress that transitions seamlessly from day to night, after dark Novo magically transforms itself into the most beautifully lit, romantic restaurant in town. I'm partial to the lavender cocktail and chocolate truffle desserts; best served on the terrace under big, twinkling trees.

Jeffrey likes to tease me for ordering their take-out all the time, because he thinks it's "fancy".  
Fine... it's a little fancy, but did you know that Novo offers its take-out orders at a 20% discount? 

 A happy customer is extra fancy!

I am a verrry happy Novo customer. Can you tell? :)

P.S.

HAVE A REALLY HAPPY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!  The weather is so beautiful.  Evy's performing with her baton troupe at the Madonna Inn tomorrow, and then...  Paso is calling our name.  What about you guys?  Do you have plans, or are you more the "wing it" type?

St. Patrick's Day in SLO!

This past Saturday was St. Patrick's Day.  Did you celebrate?  We thought that rain might derail the party this year, but no, they partied wet.  The downtown revelers were out in full-force until 3am on Friday night, and (I'm not even exaggerating) they were back at it at 6am sharp on Saturday morning.  Girls crying, guys fighting...  Raucous singing, bagpipes playing, and yeah- people peeing on our steps.  

But that's downtown-living.    

Though it was a little ridiculous to see the sidewalks full of extremely drunken College students, Amber and I had a great time running into the band of bagpipers in fireman's helmets and kilts, and snagging a few photos of the festivities.  We spotted these hilarious cautionary posters, warning of the perils and fines for public drunkenness, public urination, DUI's, and minor's consumption of alcohol- featuring a green wig-bedecked damsel replete with green beads and regret.   

Even the graffiti was green!

Not pictured:  Girls struggling to walk, drunk in green heels.  Men riding on each other's shoulders,  green barf on sidewalk, woman completely limp being lifted off the ground by friends.  Yikes.

best of slo!

Do you guys vote for your favorite local businesses in the Best of Slo poll every year?  

This is the 26th year that the New Times has put on the event.  I have mixed feelings about it, but I do vote.    I feel like anything that increases awareness and traffic for local businesses is a huge plus.  The poll itself is a little daunting- I think they could really edit down the bazillion categories, and perhaps add some new, updated ones.  

Best cloth napkin store?

Best Comic Book Store?

Best blog? Hmmm...

Thankfully, you only need to fill out 30% of the poll in order for your vote to count.  That's 45 quick, easy, fill-in-the-blanks.  Even I have time for that!  I have to leave some categories blank, because... well, I can't pick a favorite mechanic because I don't drive.  And I still can't tell Oceano, Pismo, and Shell Beach apart.  I know.  I'm not proud of it- but that's the truth.  So I can't really pick a favorite restaurant in any of those towns.  Actually... I don't really get out of my downtown bubble very often, so a lot of those surrounding town categories are lost on me.  

But I kick all kinds of ass at the Best of (downtown) SLO!  Anyway, here's a shortlist of the businesses getting my vote:  

Best Vegetarian Fare

LINNAEA'S!  Their lunchtime soup is a staple in my life.

Best Thai Restaurant

THAI CLASSIC!  I know the others are fancier, but this is our go-to for a yummy Thai fix.

Best Breakfast

KREUZBERG!  Best breakfast burrito in town.  

Best SLO Restaurant

NOVO!  I experiment with others, but always go back to them.  My favorite.

Best Theatre

PALM!  Nothing makes me happier than an Indie movie & a huge apple juice.  :)

Best Local Artist-Visual

JEFF CLAASSEN!  Mostly because he's super sexy.

Best Local Bookstore (used)

PHOENIX!  I love finding old children's books for the kiddos, that I had when I was little.

Best Women's Clothing Store

AMBIANCE!

Best Antique Shop

RUBY ROSE!  It's a huge weakness- and I don't even feel a little bit guilty about it.  Pure love.

Best Flower Shop

FLUID BLOOM!

Best Jewelry Store

BAXTER MOERMAN!  The Matts!

Best Local Bank/Credit Union

FOUNDERS COMMUNITY BANK!  They've been good to me for 6 years!

Best Home Remodel Company

IMC BUILDING!

Best Place To Take The Kids

MITCHELL PARK!  

I hope this list helps you, and gets you in the mood to VOTE!  

Polls close at 5pm on March 19th.