So nice to meet you. Can I take your picture?

YAY! I get to dress up tonight for work. No slummy cafe clothes for this girl.

Us Magpies' are hosting our space and delicious food for the Verge Center for the Arts, to help celebrate their one year anniversary in their new location!

Whoa, so leathery in my awesome Casual Corner vest from FreeStyle Clothing Exchange..

Did I ever mention that I used to work at a Casual Corner Outlet store. It was actually good for the paycheck because garments were so FUGLY, I would never buy anything. But, if this vest was there, I would buy one in teal too!

Yes , I am wearing my favorite necklace duo AGAIN! 

Hells ya! Love these pups. Gifted from my gal RQ Bella.

 I actually bought this dress new. Hanging on a clearance rack just waiting to be scooped up!

Blooper Reel! Birdie never wants me to go. Its hard to when she's so stinkin' cute!

So , I have some pretty big news. This is a little to big for me, but I am forcing myself to hurdle my frightened ass over the fear.

The fear of public speaking. Actually, the fear of people looking at me while I have nothing stimulating to say.

But, I am honored I was asked to do this, and this event is going to be way epic!

This coming Friday, the VCA is screening the film 'Bill Cunningham , New York' at the Crest Theatre.

Bill Cunningham is one of the founding god fathers of street style photography.

Bill has been biking around, and shooting  colors of vibrant people walking the streets of Manhattan for over 40 years.  I contribute to the Street Style Sacramento blog with my favorite Sacramento friend RQ Bella of the Citizen of Rosebud. Us two girls, Kari from Juniper James and Lorena Beightler of Sac Cycle Chic have been asked to follow up the film for a discussion panel.

Dude, what the hell am I going to say. I will probably forgot everything I know. But then, what do I know?

I just like to take pictures of people that have on beautiful jewelry, a funky hat, well tapered slacks or just a damn fine purse.

First hurdle to jump is to find what to wear! I got one accessory down. Oh yes, Its going to be so sweet.

But, for actually clothing , I have no idea. Of course I will stop in at C&C and check out their racks.

I hope I don't vomit on the stage.

You know you wanna go. 

Crest Theatre, Sacramento.

I'll keep you posted kittens!

Love daze with Dyer Ranch

 I met these gals last week when I was starting my day at Magpie. Deborah and Cate (left/center) were meeting their gal pal Becky (right) for an early lunch. I noticed that Becky was graciously accepting a dozen eggs from her friends. I could tell it was going to be a nice relaxing day for the girls , so I offered to put the eggs in the fridge to stay cool until they are ready to leave.

Me being a dreamer of farm girl, and a keeper of all animals I had to ask if they raised chickens..

They replied "Oh yes. We sure do! About 26 of them. Also, horses , goats , cats and dogs. We have a ranch in the Placerville area. "

In a matter of seconds, I had rock star eyes. I got weak in the knees and I think I jumped up and down a little bit.

Then, they too gifted me a dozen eggs . WOW! I was so excited. Really. Really, excited.

~The babes of Dyer Ranch~

I had to pass on the love. I shared my bounty with my friend Brooke.

 Tee-hee. Sunday morning breakfast, and I am still giddy. 

You MUST check out their website. Such beautiful pictures of the farm, and the animals enjoying their homestead.

I look forward to visiting Dyer Ranch very soon.

See ya 'round the bend, with a dozen eggs in hand !

For the love of Quince.

The lovely lil big Quince which I have just discovered, has become my new favorite winter fruit.

Quince is a 4,000 year old native fruit to Asia and the Mediterranean. Now it can also be found growing all over the world. A cross between a apple and a pear, this hard bodied big fruit will give you some of the most delicious treats your tongue has ever laid taste on.

In the raw form , a Quince is hard, rough, astringent and very tart. 

But thanks to the astringent tingle, it a great fruit to cook down for baking. Being so tart, it is high in pectin so expect a great jelly and jam dish for your winter delights. In the Middle East, the dried pits are submerged in hot water, and used medicinally to treat sore throats and relieve coughs.

At Magpie cafe , we are sourcing our Organic Quince from Kingbird Farms in Galt, Ca.

Check out our menu. You can find Quince Tarts, Pumpkin Pecan Toast with Quince Jam, and Braised Pork Shoulder with Quince.

Superstition has it that quince seed makes an excellent love charm.

 Sweet flavors to savor.

When shopping for Quince, buy organic. The delicate, thin skinned fruit can soak up pesticides very easily and compromise taste and cooking ability .

Roman author and naturalist, 'Pliny the Elder'  mentions quince as an effective deterrent from the 'evil eye' when carried on one's person.

In Greece, brides ate quince to sweeten their breath for their new husband. In this region, the fruit represents fertility, love, and a long happy marriage.

Easy and fun recipe for your first go at Quince Jam!

Listening to, Mountain Man

Eating, Dark Chocolate and Mint 

Broken camera, not heart broken.

Hello to all my friends. Do I dare check the 'stats' to see whos been sticking around. Good god no! I have not blogged of taken one stinkin' photo for over a week! My camera slipped, and back flipped out of pair of hands. I will not release any names .But , lets just call him ' Butter fingers'.

As promised he said he would replace my camera.  We share our finances and the bummer responsibility of being adults so it would take a little longer to purchase. But, a lightrail trip and a dark bike ride carried us to Target to pick up a sweet little point and shoot Canon. I will be getting back into the groove of things real soon with FFF and Street Style Sacramento.

But I would like to share this with you. Maybe I just need to get it out and release . There has been some big changes in my life. All for the good of course! I am always and forever madly in love with my hunny, and It only continues to get disgustingly more sweet everyday . I love my new dog, Birdie and I am very thankful that I have employment at one of the best shops in town.

I planned on kicking the car to the curb along time ago. I couldn't bare to keep polluting our precious earth , and being the cause of 79 degree Novembers (hehe). I have to say , it has been very hard. I miss the freedom of 'just getting away', how simple our grocery trips to the COOP used to be, and being able to take trips up to the river, apple hill,  Woodsong farm tour , jotting down to the Bay or going to an Farm / Art Benefit at Beatnik Studios in a down pour rain. 

Time moves alot slower when you only have 2 wheels to ride around on.  

I am one for an adventure, and I like being on my bike everyday . I never noticed how beautiful the trees are in midtown. Have you counted all the kitty kitties between here and there?! So many new friends , fallen leaves, open windows and gardens that I get to enjoy. I also love being the only one on the road, parking and gas prices do not exist to me anymore, I seem to sing more often now  . What a huge change, and slow embrace . Why pay for gas when you can pay for a trip to Austin TX, Italy , Greece , Ireland and France!

Enough of that. Debuting pictures from my new camera at a wine tasting that us Magpies went to on Sunday in Amador! 

The mantis comes to us when we need peace, quiet and calm in our lives. Usually the mantis makes an appearance when we've flooded our lives with so much business, activity, or chaos that we can no longer hear the still small voice within us because of the external din we've created.

After observing this creature for any length of time you can see why the symbolism of the praying mantis deals with stillness and patience. The mantis takes her time, and lives her life at her own silent pace.

These traits have lead the mantis to be a symbol of meditation and contemplation. In fact, in China, the mantis has long been honored for her mindful movements.

The mantis never makes a move unless she is 100% positive it is the right thing for her to do. This is a message to us to contemplate and be sure our minds and souls all agree together about the choices we are making in our lives.

Overwhelmingly in most cultures the mantis is a symbol of stillness. As such, she is an ambassador from the animal kingdom giving testimony to the benefits of meditation, and calming our minds.

An appearance from the mantis is a message to be still, go within, meditate, get quite and reach a place of calm. It may also a sign for you to be more mindful of the choices you are making and confirm that these choices are congruent.

Ring: Transient Treasures  

Dress & Shoe Clips: Crimson and Clover

Socks: Target

Boots: Thrift Town

Belt: Somewhere in Portland?

I'm tired. Time to pop in a chick flick and flutter off to sleep.
Good night.

Night at the Museum

 My employers asked me if I would like me to attend the 'Neo Crocker Modern Culture Party' fundraiser held for the Grand Opening of the Crocker Museum . I would be representing them, so don't get drunk and do belly flops into the crowd. Nah, why do that when I can dress up fancy and hang with some of my favorite peeps.

Belt , Necklace & Ring:Crimson and Clover

Dress: SPCA Thrift Store

Purse: Goodwill Thrift 

Shoes: Urban Outfitters (Extreme sale along with some haggling )

Isn't she absolutely beautiful. I met Pam at 'The Launch' art & fashion festival early summer .  We bonded over our deep fondness of Alexander McQueen, and the love of her Raquel Allegra dress. 

Joe Koj, looking always handsome in his Michael Kors button up.

Jen of Wade and Associates.

RQ Bella of theThe Citizen Rosebud.

Joe Koj as his awesome self.

Me, Kerry of Fashion Farms and Freedom.

 See all the beautiful bouquet of people that walked the museum that night at 

'Street Style Sacramento'.

I love this picture. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I smile every time I see it.

Janel and Ed. Owners of Magpie Cafe. The best place to eat in Sacramento if you ask me.

Thanks guys for the great night at the Neo-Crocker party!

Photo Credits : RQ Bella