Secret Garden

Caroline Elizabeth has shared some of her Secret Garden tips. Here's what my favorite garden gal has to say....

There are some really simple and inexpensive ways to brighten and landscape your outdoor small spaces- even if you are a renter. We all deserve an outdoor sanctuary to call our own! I recently turned my neighbor's concrete and weed infested side yard into a paradise for their new puppy all for under $100.

After weeding and turning the soil I covered all of the dirt surfaces with sod instantly giving them more usable square footage for their dog to run around. The extra space made a huge difference, but I wanted more color! I found a few terracotta pots at a yard sale (two for a dollar) and used them to line the remaining concrete areas. After filling them with potting soil I planted an assortment of Color Spot gerbera daisies, petunias, and marigolds filling the yard with vibrant fushias, golds, and oranges. I used five six-packs of flowers; I can't think of another way $10 can bring a smile to your face all season long! By using pots I kept the flowers mobile to either rearrange later or to take with if they move. For a finishing touch I planted a few daffodil bulbs and added a few hooks and hung Chinese Lanterns to add color further up the fence at eye level. The high-pitched squeals of my neighbors as they returned from work to see their new dog peeing in their colorful yard for the first time was priceless.

It is definitely about now I am regretting not taking the "Before" photo... but here is a glimpse of the finished product.


Resources and References:

Sod: First remove all weeds and debris if needed. Then use a pitchfork or shovel to turn and separate the soil before adding fertilizer- a combination of blood and bone meal replenishes most soils. Sod can be found at most gardening centers without any pre-ordering. I paid $1.99 for five square feet at Home Depot and used $20.00 worth total. It is super easy to cut and fit into any yard space using simple pruning shears. After the sod is in place it is important to soak every day for the first week to foster root development.

Color Spot Flowers: These are annual (seasonal) flowers that come by the six pack. They are under $2.00 a pack at Home Depot. Look for plants with new buds to insure instant color. "Deadhead" the plant to direct energy to new growth by removing dead and withering flowers. Most do well in full sunlight.

Bulbs: These are planted in the winter or fall and sprout in the spring and summer. They are so worth the wait! I know people, okay me, who run outside every morning to see their bulbs' progress. I happen to believe that daffodils really do smile at you. For cut daffodils in your home, check out Trader Joe's. They currently have bunches for under $2.00. Just cut an inch off the bottoms and put in warm water; in the morning they will be open. Enjoy!


i am happy to give you additional submissions (using native, drought resistant plants; using "hardscape" vs. "livescape;" guerilla gardening...) or answer gardening questions if anyone has them as well :)

caroline@littlewoodhouse.com


Thanks to Accordion Girl and Caroline Elizabeth for contributing the last two weeks of my blog!

Next Week I am back on.. and sharing info on two non-profit organizations that really inspire me...

One for the show...

My topic this week is Movies. a short but sweet write up, my dear friend who shall be called " accordion girl"... lends her voice on one hot summer flick.. here's what accordion girl has to say.

My absolute don’t miss movie this summer for anyone in love, or anyone who really hates that I just said that, is music video director Marc Webb’s debut feature 500 Days of Summer starring the almost sickeningly talented Zooey Deschanel and the completely edible-in-this-film Joseph Gordon Levitt. I haven’t seen anything this good in this genre since Annie Hall. It is visually impressive, quite memorable, and made me realize how stunning Los Angeles can look at any season. It opens on July 17th.

The Locals Triangle

This week my topic is both delectable and necessary. Can’t live without it (and why would you want to?): FOOD. Everyone who knows me knows how much I love all that it stands for. Food entertains our taste buds and enriches our soul. It charms us during friendly gatherings, and keeps us satisfied enough to try alone. It can provide spontaneous fulfillment and change one’s mood at almost any time. From new restaurants openings, neighborhood haunts, specialty stores and dinner parties… one need not travel far to appreciate amazing food. I love talking about the places I dine, the recipes shared by friendly cooks, and the new finds I come across (like coconut milk non-dairy ice cream by Coco-bliss). When approaching the topic of food, I was sure, since I love it so much, that it would be easy to write about. I was mistaken because there are so many ways to explore the topic of food.
For a start, I decided to share a little info on the good treats around my neighborhood. This is also a subject I will explore every now and then in my blog because there is so much ground to cover. I don’t want you to miss out on knowing what delicious new treat is out there. In the last four years the Venice community has experienced a rapid increase of new eateries to the already familiar staples Primitivo, Axe, Abbot’s Habit, Hal’s Bar, and the latest swanky eatery to hit the block Gjelina and A+K. While some social seekers prefer to look for mainstream trends. There are three off the beaten path gems I care to mention. Enjoy them before tourists catch wind of the new scents coming from these soon-to-be-packed, can’t-get-enough-of “local haunts”.

Good Stacking

Chef and sandwich aficionado,
Alex Guzauski has some seriously scrumptious ingredients of sweet and spicy he stacks and spreads thick to tantalize your taste buds. His ultra delicious sandwiches keep your mind guessing for flavors and your belly incredibly happy. The majority of Alex's menu is made from an incredible mix of different types of breads, cheeses, meats, veggies and sinfully delicious spreads he whips up from scratch. There is also a variety of healthy treats here from the most amazing power granola breakfast to a protein and vitamin packed smoothie. I enjoy a smoothie after a long bike ride on the beach. A refreshing good for you treat. Alex can be found in back of a little gourmet market (btw this market also rocks!!), called Bellissimo on North Venice and Pacific, 310-305-2430, deli hours tues-Sunday 9:30-6:30

Plant a...

Listen up all you health fiends: if you really want to know about the many cures in life, it’s eating the macro way. Macrobiotics diets have been around a long time but somehow, as much as is written, it still makes a steady climb into our worlds. I believe it’s because eating macro is ultimately a strict discipline and not a fad. May the real vegetarian stand up! The awareness alone you get from eating as clean as possible beats the more commonly known vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian ways. Macro is all these combined plus more. It has been noted as a strong prevention of many cancers. SEED moved into the hood recently and was welcomed almost immediately especially with their do-good ways. They do community sweeps every Sunday morning and offer community meals on Tuesdays. Chef Eric along with his wife Sanae run this new must stop with an insanely pleasing and extremely healthful menu. My favorite is the blackened tempeh burger—check it out.

a Brooklyn vibe

There is so much to be said about Venice Beach Wine that arrived recently on the edges of what old school locals used to call Ghost Town. Not too long ago, Venice gangs ran deep through pockets of this area in Venice. Although the community has cleaned up greatly since then, if you are a local you’ll remember the hardships this community faced. The re-opening of this sleek, edgy and slightly undercover wine bar includes an array of authentic charcuterie that will please anyone’s desire for meat.

Lastly, out of all these wonderful and magnificent haunts, nothing beats the gathering of friends; BBQ’s and dinner parties are hands-down my favorite foodie-experience. Here are a few captured moments from a recent dinner party in my hood.




the NEXT TWO WEEKS... a little treat for me. I have asked two of my friends to lend their voice on something they're quiet passionate about. MOVIES AND GARDENING! Just in time for May flowers and Summer Movie Maddness.

Beauty and the Photo

If you are checking in for the first time, every Thursday I am posting a weekly topic with a few choice picks. This week's topic is Photography, in particular, my talented friends who lent their vision in helping make my lip-balm ideas and campaign come to focus. My upcoming site "Is the balm" (formerly Beauty By Maharlika) which will be launching sometime this month (fingers crossed!), and will feature their work.

Photography has always been an interest to me. I would have to say, it’s something I really love: I love taking photos, going to photo exhibits, and occasionally even though I can be quite shy at times, I do find myself very comfortable in front of the camera when someone I know is shooting.
The great thing about the four photographers who shot the latest campaign is that photography is an extension of their artistic capabilities. Their approaches are wildly diverse. Their innovative and style can be seen in their every day work as animators, graphic designers, editors and directors.


Tune in Next Thursday for my weekly topic of FOODIES: from Goldmine Eatery shops and FRIENDS who Share their recipes and special homemade dishes.

Intellectual Propriety

Ming Hsiung has a genuine approach for sensibility, his photos captivated the provocative look I chose for the cover of Is the balm website. With each image, Ming captures subtle fantastical elements from his design background. He was mindful of the sleek and sexy look, incorporating my vision for the "lady aviator" shot. Working alongside Ming was Matt Evanz who helped position each photo with dynamism.

The Verge of Mastery

Cory Strassburger can be a master at many things. As you look deeply in each of his photographs there is a constant air of mystery. He approached the downtown urban vibe with simplicity and a punch of serious edge that keeps you guessing.

Energetic Transmission

Alain Vasquez is a vivid, likeable craftsman. There is so much thought in each of his shots, so much detail, so much existential motivation in how he conveys his ideas.

A Zest of Eternal Youth

Brandon Hickman has a serious but playful tone in his story telling artistry. His extremely professional approach and attention to natural lighting infused the pureness my product deserves into every aspect of his shooting. Brandon shot for my first website and helped launched the look for my Hiwa Lani lip-balm.



Some Favorites
I have been lucky enough to model for and admire the work exhibited by these photographers:
Jilly
Patrick Hoelck
Joaquin&Brian
Brian English
Photo Induced

Trade Secrets

People are often surprised after they meet me to find out how old I actually am. I suppose that my youthful appearance is partially genetics, but I do believe it's important to keep up with what is given to you. I have always made sure that my skin is taken care of and as I get older, I notice that lifestyle makes all the difference is one's radiance. I am very product conscious and can't lie: I read labels. I try and find products that work for my skin.  But product is not everything.  It's also about what makes you feel good about yourself whether it be a new hair cut or a great nail color.  Here are three little trade secrets (below) that make me feel radiant, clean and sexy.

check in next week for my photographer picks!

Taming the Wildflower

My dear friend and esthetician, Pamela Ford Stevens is the queen of trimming your wildflower to its state of grace—as painlessly as possible—might I add. She also does fantastic facials which include a peel that are more than a generous bargain.  And to add more icing to the cake, she gives an incredible massage while your new face is hydrating and pumping with antioxidant. Pamela's eco-conscious sensibility and generous spirit is something you'd appreciate—check out her website and book. Treasure your wildflower by keeping it trim and revive yourself with one of her facials.  Trust me; you’ll be basking with a glow that is to ensure all eyes are on you!  Note: Wildflower is not located in a spa, but a low-key, no frills building she shares in a holistic studio. It’s a secret oasis.

A bit of Sunshine

A bit of Sunshine

I bow down to the creator of one of my favorite face products—Magnolia by Lenor Greyl.  This oil makes your skin look goddess.  Its texture is light and satiny and makes my skin glow every time I use it. You can find it at Vert on Abbott Kinney, Venice.

Maintaining the power

Seaweed is another little trade secret.  Seawood is a powerful source of lipids, minerals and vitamins which are easy to absorb, moisturize and nourish the skin. It's a great detoxifier too!

I usually take Kelp capsules daily, as well as make a few bowls of sauteed or raw seaweed from the japanese markets at least 3 times a week. It's important we try and do what we can to maintain our elasticity.  The seawater in seaweed is similar to human plasma, so it's an ideal way to get nutritive benefits such as vitamins A, C and E, and the minerals zinc, selenium and magnesium. Seaweed tones skin and regenerates body tissues, offering a new energy that helps to maintain a youthful appearance.