La Recessionista Files

I met Toby last year through my beautiful, long-time friend Michele. Toby and I hit it off right away and decided that he is my "brother from another mother" and i'm his "sister from another mister". And so it goes. Turns out he gets along famously with my sisters so now I have to share him.

Toby made his way back home to Aussie-land last week and we sent him off with a small party. Toby and Jennifer had a Bloody Mary-off to see who could concoct the tastiest version. Ready for the secret - a bit of pickle juice. We played records and exchanged barbed compliments and plenty of banter. You know, the way siblings do. Jennifer then used Toby as a live model for earrings she was making. Little brothers are fun, i'm glad we finally have one.

                 

In honor of Reynald's birthday we spent the weekend boating at Lake Shasta. Reynald is French, Feisty and Fabulous. He is also all sorts of other adjectives that don't start with an "F". For example; loyal, humorous and cat-loving.

I've been missing Europe so I decided to pretend we were on a Mediterranean cruise. Our houseboat was ultra-deluxe and came with a hot tub, fireplace and a water slide. I'm thinkin this Mediterranean sailing fantasy may just last the weekend, that is until we came across the floating stag party with a handmade sign (a sheet and a spray can) that asked to "see our tits". Sure, you can see my double A's but thank you very little for killing my Euro sailing buzz! Which begs the question - why is it that most California lakes are frequented by ...how do I say this nicely.... people who could easily be cast in the movie Deliverance? It's like lakes and meth labs make a nice pairing. Lake Tahoe seems to be the only lake that has escaped.

The weekend was divine. Great people, great food and plenty of belly laughs. Nothing like a water slide to make you feel young again.

I love the series of Ian in my red hat - it was hard to pick just a few.

                 

Bward's sister Kerri is a budding photographer with tons of talent. She came up to snap some of Jennifer's new line of leather/feather accessories. You may have already guessed that these pics are mine - Kerri's are much better. Models and champagne galore in the backyard. Our neighbors wondered what was going on, but really it was just another average day in Laursonia.

Jennifer has a store on Etsy under the name Preen Yourself. I think she is in the process of adding her latest creations. Super feathery & super fabulous. That's how I'd describe them. She is showing her stuff tonight at Cocoa Lux on Haight St starting @ 7.

And here is Kerri's website in case you are in need of a fantastic photographer who is super fun to work with.

         

Proof that indeed the universe works in mysterious and very kind ways; I find myself sharing my house with someone who is obsessed with skincare. Derek works in marketing but always held a passion for skin care. While he continued to be a corporate warrior by day, Derek completed esthetician school and starting taking a few clients from his home in Chicago. Just as he made the decision to open his own salon, he received a promotion he couldn't refuse which brought him to SF. As such, the salon is on hold but he still has all the professional equipment. And this is how we now have a full-scale professional salon in the house.

To showcase Derek's skills I invited a few friends over for a spa night. Derek provided the treatments and I provided the martinis. The drink of the night: A Moroccan martini: shot vodka, 1/2 shot of triple sec, juice from 1/2 lime, splash of rosewater, splash of pomegranate juice. Shake and stir.

Rosie, Ruthie, Christina and I were absolutely pampered by Derek. We even received a paraffin dip to moisturize our summer-weary hands. It was heavenly and our skin glowed.

The salon is open for appointments - but best make your appointment in advance at this exclusive joint. Derek is offering a special for all FOLs (friends of Laursens): 1.5-2 hour deluxe facial for $100. The martinis are free, as are kisses from Chance.

           

Really warm nights in San Francisco are so beautiful and rare that feels preposterous to eat dinner inside. This is what drove Tony and I to Foreign Cinema. We had dinner under the stars while some vintage flick was projected onto the exterior wall. Food was beautiful as-ever - Tony had "the best steak in America" while I enjoyed a Tuscan bean soup and roasted beet salad. Deelish.

I noticed a distinguished older gentleman in a bow tie greeting a table and when he continued to greet another couple tables I wondered what his story was. Is he just really friendly? Does he know these people? Is he a relative of Orville Redenbacher (and I mean that in the kindest way).

We ran into Mr. Distinguished on our way out and I couldn't help but compliment his bow tie. Just looking at him makes me happy. I think real, classic bow ties should make a comeback. Turns out he works at Foreign Cinema (perhaps as an ambassador of good will and style?). He buys his bow ties from a place in Vermont, they are hand-made. And don't even think for a moment there is a clip involved. He was so nice and insisted I take a photo with him. Pictures don't lie so I might as well tell you that I have a crush on him. My grandpas have been gone a long while so I am always interviewing for stand-ins. This guy is at the top of my list.

After dinner Tony found a great get away car (also pictured) and then we picked up Jess and headed to Club Deluxe to watch Kristin's show. We enjoyed an herbaceous concoction of fresh squeezed ruby grapefruit, mint and vodka while taking in the burlesque show. Debbie and Toby joined us as we hooted and hollered. Kristin killed it - she has a new surprising number. And no - if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise. Unfortunately, the folks at Club Deluxe don't value the essential part of show biz called 'lighting' so I don't have pics of the performances. You'll just have to go in person.

           

Dear old dad taught me how to rotate video (thanks, pops!). Sisters who swing together...well you know the rest. 

                       

I am so impressed by this mechanical dragon made of objects found in a kitchen, like jello molds, pie tins and silverware. The creator is a guy from Humboldt. An artist by trade (graphic art) he and a couple friends put this baby together. They operate it with their feet,kind of like a bicycle. It is hard to tell from the video, but the range of motion on this thing is really life-like (that is, if fire breathing dragons really did exist).

             

Burning Man stretches over 5 square miles (about the size of SF). Unless you have an art car (a car that is more art than it is a mode of transport) this means you get around on bike. One of the things I love about being at Burning Man is feeling like a kid again and bike riding does that for me. Nothin better than striding to your bike, kicking up the stand and pumping towards a quick get away. Extra points if you can do this in a kick-ass costume with stiletto heels and an appreciative audience.