Sunset Market
The Oceanside market at sunset proved to be even more amazing than the Leucadia day market. In addition to all the organic produce and fresh flower sellers there were row after row of street food vendors. Empanadas and Blinis, Gyros and tiny fried donuts. Mini Cheesecakes and curries.
That is if you still have room after sampling the booths offering samples of homemade bites like gluten-free quick breads, gourmet hummus and roasted sea-salt and pepper cashews.
I was delighted to meet tons of fellow Etsy sellers showing their wares.
One chic-chick had a shop filled with vintage and retro inspired clothing and accessories. Stepping into her 10×10 space felt like playing dress-up in a glamorous boudoir . Faux fur cape-lets and MadMen dresses at reasonable prices made rifling through the racks a Dime Girls dream.
Farmers Markets, Cooking, Vegetables
I’ve just returned from a trip to SoCal and having discovered the most amazing farmers markets.
I have never seen such gorgeous heirloom tomatoes or fresh herb bouquets. Vendors selling delicate pastries, giant hydrangeas, bumpy autumn gourds and freshly harvested fall veggies welcome local neighbors and newcomers alike.
My favorite find of the day market was beautiful baby zucchini with the blossoms still attached. Stuffed with ricotta and gently fried, every moment of these tasty bites were enjoyed sipping red wine while watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Love in the Land of Leumedia
While exploring the ocean towns of SoCal we stumbled into a wonderland governed by the magnificent Madame Leumedia. A Tango instructor transplanted from Checkoslovakia , Leumedia healed her homesick heart by turning her sorrow inside out. The photos can only begin to capture the amazing mosaic that is now her home. Literally hundreds of thousands of glass beads and beautiful bits cover the inside and outside of her modest home. Leumedia was kind enough to give us a tour and describe the significance of many of the vignettes she has created. These included old sepia photographs of her grandparents and recent pictures of her granddaughter, both her sources of unconditional love. Could you imagine what the world might be, if each of us were just as brave to wear our emotions out loud and bold enough to dwell in our love. This tiny place on earth can only be described as magical, magnificent and true wonder to behold.
Oceanside Sandcastle
Sandcastles.
A kingdom lovingly governed by laws which cherish beautiful bits found and treasured bargains abound. Not much beats an afternoon playing in the sand creating a land where cardboard pirates save the day and mermaids bask in the sun.
Green Beans and Pepitas (Roasted Pumpkin Seeds)
With so many fall meals coming up, try this tasty alternative to green bean casserole next time you are asked to a potluck.
Trim fresh green beans – approx 1 handful per person
On a stove burner, heat one half tbs of olive oil per handful of beans in a large deep pan. Season with a sprinkling of salt, pepper and garlic.
When beans begin to soften and skins blister, add Pepitas or (pumpkins sees that have been shelled and roasted)
Mix over heat for about 4 more minutes to release flavor of the Pepitas
Transfer to a serving vessel and enjoy.
No Pepitas? Substitute with slivered or sliced almonds. Add dried cranberries if you like. Either way it is delicious and a healthier alternative to soupy green bean casserole.
Cheap Frills for Fall
To Taste: Persimmons
To See: Where the Wild Things Are Movie
To Listen: Zooey Deschanel She & Him
To Learn: Adobe Dreamweaver
To Make: Homemade Holiday Gifts
To Visit: The leaves change
Create Everyday
Julie and Julia –If you haven’t already seen it… Julia Child’s story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year’s time.
I have been inspired by the Julies’ courage to take on something new and bold everyday. And so I pose to you the same challenge of which I have given myself…
CREATE EVERYDAY.
Most people find creation intimidating in itself, so we must think bigger.
Creation has many forms, simple pick one and do it.
Scribble a doodle on your lunchtime napkin or try making Curried Chicken Salad. Cut a pattern one-day and sew a bit the next. Rome wasn’t built in a day it took a bit of time and most of all persistence.
Create something everyday and let me know how it goes. Send some photos and your creations may be posted on the DSP blog to share.
Facebook Fansite
I’ve been a bit neglectful of the blog… I know it. 
The last few weeks have been spent creating and sewing, lots of sewing.
While you wait for me to upload the latest posts and pics that have been backing up on my harddrive, log-in to Facebook and check out the new DSP Fansite and become a fan!
Prettiest Plaids
Plaid is everywhere this season and is one of those effortless accessories that can be worn by anyone. About six months ago I found the prettiest cut of plaid with stripes of soft blue and white accented by red and thin lines of green. Because I don’t have the urge to look like every other flannel lumberjack out there, and I have a feeling neither do you….I have saved this piece of soft cotton to create a very limited series of scarves. Simple and trendy but not too kitchy, these scarves will knock the wool socks off your cool weather wardrobe. Keep an eye out at DimeStorePretty.Etsy.com for a listing to get one of your very own.
Orange Crush
Is it wrong to love a fabric?
When I laid my eyes on this orange cotton eyelet, I tell you my heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of what it might become. Unfortunately there was only a yard to use and so options were limited.
Slim seams and side zipper later, VOILA, Clementine perfection! My new favorite skirt is a tea length a-line with orange lining to match. Like any new love, it is hard to deny and the rest of the clothes in my closet are getting jealous. The fabric breathes and wears so beautifully that its tough to want to wear anything else.
Surely you’ve had something that magically matched everything in your wardrobe and seemed perfect for every occasion.
Why should you care about all this?
Because the lucky girl I am just found an entire bolt full of possibilities. To order an Orange Crush skirt of your own, please contact me by email. Otherwise, keep an eye on the DimeStorePretty.etsy shop for listings coming soon.
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- How to Keep it Bountiful at Andais NicEssus on Persimmon Scones
- Robin on The Problem w. Pomegranates
- Ms.Jessi on The Problem w. Pomegranates
- msjessi on Flour Sack Apron
- Jessi Feltmann on Special Order