MS Maital Ceramics Studio on 3rd

One of my favorite places in L.A. to visit is MS Maital Ceramics Studio on 3rd Street. I always feel so inspired there. You can buy pre-made pieces, OR you can make your own! There are classes that teach you how to use the pottery wheel, or you can make things freehand as well. And if you really get into it, you can sign up for a monthly membership which allows you to just come in all month long and create whatever you feel like! Sooooo much fun!

Here are some of favorite little nooks & crannies in the studio right now...

And this was my first attempt at making my own ceramic pieces... I think I have a little ways to go, but I had a great time during the process so that's what counts (right?!)... ;)

Bel Kazan Holiday '14 Sneak Peek

I got to do a little modeling for the Bel Kazan Holiday 2014 collection and I am in love! Everything is black and gold and completely perfect! Here are a few of my favorites...

The mini...

The crop pant...

 

The maxi...

 And of course I had to do a little twirl in the maxi...

I can't wait for holiday season to come so I can get some of these pieces for myself!!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Gray Malin Aqua Glam Launch Party

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for Gray Malin's latest collection, Aqua Glam. In case you don't know, Gray Malin is an amazing photographer who is known for his stunning beach aerial shots. Gray's Aqua Glam collection features the fabulous Aqualillies, a water ballet troupe! I got to know Gray a few years back and have enjoyed seeing his talent flourish! Here are a few snapshots from the party, and don't forget to check out the Aqua Glam collection here!

GTBB,

Bad Joan

RECIPE: Creamy Papaya Dressing

I bought one of those very large Mexican papayas the other day and just couldn't get through it all. So I decided to get a little creative and use it in my salad dressing! I give you, Bad Joan's Fresh & Creamy Papaya Salad Dressing (scroll down for the recipe) ... 

Ingredients:

• Small handful of fresh, ripe papaya.
• Fresh lemon juice (from a quarter of a lemon).
• About 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest. 
• About a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
• 2 or 3 small leaves of fresh purple basil.
• Salt and Pepper to taste.

 
Blend all the ingredients together (I used a hand blender since it's just a small amount), and dress your salad. In my salad I used: iceberg lettuce, baby heirloom tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, shredded carrot, garbanzo beans, and crushed walnuts.

It was delicious, and made from fresh, healthy ingredients that your body can make use of! I also think it would make a great marinade for red meat or chicken.

Enjoy!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Friday Flowers

I visited my favorite florist this morning, Toyo Florist. It's a tiny flower shop located a few blocks from my house. They are a small, family owned business, and they are always so friendly and helpful. Plus, they always have a gorgeous selection of fresh flowers, like these beauties that I came across today...

I love starting the day (and the weekend) with bright colors and sweet scents.

Hope everyone is having their own bright and sweet Friday!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

The Purgatory of Monotony

I'm a little bit obsessed with this short film directed by Ace Norton for the RHIE AW14 collection. It's kind of genius. Enjoy...


GTBB,
Bad Joan

Late Bloomers NYC Event

If you are in NYC you MUST check out this awesome event happening this Thursday, May 15th...

Late Bloomers' second NYC event: an evening of music and multimedia art benefiting Fountain House!

MUSIC from Glass Animals, People Get Ready, Kitty, Moons, Fascinator, Kitty Cash, Blondes, and DJ Banacrisp spinning throughout the evening...

LIVE CHARACTER SKETCHES by Alessandra Olanow Illustrates

FLORAL INSTALLATION by Brooklyn Plant Studio

VIDEO ART PROJECTIONS by Sara Ludy, Katie Torn, Jonathan Monaghan and Joe Hamilton.

Advance tickets are $15 & keep in mind that ALL proceeds from tickets and merch will benefit Fountain House!!!

Visit http://www.fountainhouse.org/ for more information.


I'm jealous of all the New Yorkers who get to go! Have fun!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Nooks & Crannies

I love all the little nooks and crannies around my home. Some days I just can't help but stop and admire them. Take a look at a few of my favorite little spots...

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday, and stopping  to find the joy in the little things in your life!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Spread your wings and fly!

It's Friday... Get out there and spread your wings and fly!

Have a wonderful weekend.

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Happy Earth Day!

Today is the perfect reminder to stop, and take a look around at all the incredible gifts that the earth provides us. Wishing everyone a Happy Earth Day!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Easter

Every year I have the privilege of attending the most beautiful Easter Brunch with one of my oldest friends and her family (and all of their friends!). The surroundings are surreal, like something out of a fairy tale, and the Easter Egg Hunt has something for everyone, whether you are a child or an adult. It is my favorite event to attend! Take a little peak at some of the beauty and fun...

I hope that everyone enjoyed their own Easter event, or just enjoyed a lazy Sunday. Now it's back to the grind... Happy Monday!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

P.S. - My dress is from one of my favorite lines, Bel Kazan, and it is available right now in their online store here.

Palm Trees...

I'm an L.A. native, so I have a special place in my heart for palm trees. And since it's Friday, and since I feel like it, here are a few gratuitous palm tree shots from my last trip to palm springs...

Have a wonderful weekend!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Sample Sales coming up in Los Angeles

There are two amazing sample sales coming up in L.A. in the next few days, featuring a ton of great brands and styles. If you are local, you should definitely check them out...

Happy shopping!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Bel Kazan FW14 Sneak Peek

I recently got to work with Bel Kazan (one of my favorite lines EVER) on some images for their Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. I am obsessed with all the new prints and styles that will be coming out in a few months, I can't wait to own them all!

Here is a little sneak at a couple of the new prints/styles...

Happy Friday!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

40% off incredible print dresses by Bel Kazan!

Start your weekend off with a little shopping! I have a great deal for you on some incredible dresses. The line is Bel Kazan and it's one of my favorites! All of their prints are 100% original (like you), plus the fit and fabric feel are amazing. And now you have a chance to snag a few pieces for yourself at 40% off retail! Just go to the Bel Kazan shop and use the code BADJOAN40 at checkout...

Offer is valid today through Sunday 3/30. Stock is limited so click here to start shopping!

Have a great weekend!

GTBB,
Bad Joan

Pretty New Flowers

There is a cute little flower shop a few blocks from my house called Toyo Florist. The shop is actually tucked away behind a hardware store! It's a hidden gem and I'm so happy I discovered it. I love to go and pick out fresh flowers for around the house. Like these...

Next time you are on the east side of L.A., check them out!


GTBB,
Bad Joan

Midi Rings, Oranges, and Sailing

What do Midi Rings, Oranges, and Sailing have in common you might ask? They are all part of my adventures working with Samanca Jewelry. I have so much fun taking pictures and "hand modeling" for them. There are just too many fun pics to post here, you have to visit their Instagram to see them all... BUT here are a few of my recent favorites...