I have always adored Gregory Parkinson. Not just because he makes the most exquisite dresses, but more so due to his gentle disposition and mindfulness. He travels often, reads voraciously, has great style, is always present, compassionate and a gentleman in the truest sense. He makes me yearn for days gone by in the Austen era where ladies were treated with respect and men weren't afraid to be kind. I had the pleasure of visiting Gregory in his studio downtown and later at his loft where he made us the most delicious and nutritious cabbage salad. Stay tunes in for part 2 when we get the recipe. Gregory is a local designer using fabric remnants at times to create his collage like gems. I truly wish I could wear his gowns all the time. Interview below!

1) What inspires you?
i think first and foremost, one has to inspire oneself! I never get bored of gorgeous and interesting fabric, wether it costs a lot of money or is in expensive, the two go together so well. I love how color can pick you up and change" the mood"  always for the better.

5) What makes a woman beautiful?
I have dressed many many women over the past 20 years, lots of them conventionally beautiful some beautiful in a different way, women AND men can make them selves more or less beautiful by the way they are,kindness and composure really go a long way in this world as far as Im concerned. (Im a big fan of gorgeous skin too on either men or women )

6) What book is on your night stand?
i love the Christopher Isherwood diaries, Im reading the last decade,  the 60's its a heavy book so it hits me in the face as i read and fall asleep.

7)What is your swear by product? RMS coconut oil ,Pat Wexler cleanser  and apple cider vinegar. I swear!

8) Do you think LA is an artist friendly city?
In the sense that there are great spaces for artist to work and create, an eager  for culture audience , a lot of major galleries and also local galleries supporting local art,lots of physical and mental space, perfect for some, not all. a lot of  great art is made here , I think it is a great place for artists and those who like them.

9) You use remnants of fabrics at times is that a green decision?
I hate throwing things away, especially beautiful fabric, that in some cases I have had for many years. So it was born out of practicality, but  I think thats the whole point of being Green, I think we are not practical or resourceful enough.

10) Where do you see yourself in ten years?
hopefully traveling more, staying places longer, finding great new people and things to see, working in different ways in different mediums.
Living the life I live now to a greater extent.

I have been having a basket crush for the last year. They are perfect for organizing the children's toys, back editions of The New York Times which I rarely get to read, blankets, old magazines, shoes for leaving off before entering the house and more. I got mine from the beautiful store Dosa, which i will be posting about soon. There are so many amazing baskets now to be found my most favorite from West Elm. I am coveting the larger ones to hold towels by the tub, and these rainbow and graphic ones for the living room.

The last six weeks a few friends and I have been taking part in the most informative and magical class about discovering native plants. Our fearless leader is a true sage named Stacey Small. We gather once a week in the mountains around Topanga canyon and learn about remedies and essences from the exquisite native plants and wild flowers. We start the class gathered in a circle and sing a Chumash Tribe song. We then discuss the merits and traits of certain plants like mugwort, elder, willow and black sage to name a few. The first class Stacey took us to a cave where we discussed our ancestors and made some earth figures from clay. Being in the class reminds me of how vital connection is to other sisters and to our mama earth. Not only do I feel fulfilled from all the grace that surrounds us, but I also am learning the names and significance of the plants that I live and hike among. We each had to pick a special plant that we resonated deeply with. I picked the Mariposa Lily. I chose it because of it's beauty and simplicity but as I read about it's medicinal qualities I am astounded at how it is perfect for what I need in my life right now. I truly feel a kinship with this plant ally. May we all find our allies!!

Elder tree

Foraging for Elder branches

Stacey Small

One of my favorite sites for all things related to moon wisdom and mother to be knowledge is called Full Moon Birth out of New York City. The writer of the site Hannah Haehn has written up a succinct set of New Moon rituals. I have been trying to really set this time each month to connect to La Luna and focus on new affirmations. I can see the connection in my life since setting defined intentions.

The talented Rachel Craven has made custom aprons for The Local Rose. The linen aprons have detailing of rose gold thread and leather accents. These aprons are perfect for cooking, gardening, housework and more. They come in either white and gold arrowheads designs or red. You can now purchase them on The Local Rose Shop.

1) What are the benefits of panchakarma?

Panchakarma is an ancient, nourishing, profoundly healing series of treatments that rejuvenates your body, detoxifying all the tissues, and restoring balance.  In Ayurveda, our imbalances are the root of all disease… from serious conditions to minor concerns like lack energy, or restlessness, or any discomfort.  We all know this -- when we feel balanced, we feel good.

I was blessed to be able to celebrate Mother's Day early this year with my friends Jenni Kayne and Kate Mulling from The Chalkboard Magazine. We all gathered at Jenni's beautiful house for salad and lots and lots of sweets baked by the charming Barrett Prendergast. The gorgeous flower arrangements were by Botany and the plate ware by the consistently perfect Heath. The desserts were gluten-free and some vegan so I didn't feel so guilty about consuming cobbler and cookies before dinner.

Coming home from that lunch I realized I having been living in the dark ages without a mixer. I think I may have to buy myself a KitchenAid mixer for mother's day this year so I can bake some goodies like these with ease.

Barrett's recipes are below.

WARM BLUEBERRY COBBLER

Recipe adapted from Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc Cookbook

Serves 8-10

Topping

1 3/4 cups Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk

Filling

4 pints blueberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Cinnamon Sugar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Put the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on low for 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with the buttermilk in 2 batches. Scrape down the sides and mix again to be certain that all the ingredients are combined.
3. Put the blueberries in a large bowl and toss with sugar, flour and zest. Spread in an 11 inch square baking dish or a 9 by 13 inch baking pan. Spoon mounds of the batter over the berries, leaving space between the mounds.
4. Combine the cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the batter.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and cooked through.

Artist and weaver Justine Ashbee creates beautiful pieces for her line Native Line.  She began with illustrations and now has taken it into the next realm with magical wall hangings and bracelets woven with gold thread on her home loom. Her stories are informed by Native American stories and truly make a room vibrate. She is able to bring an ancient art form a modern, clean aesthetic.

1) What inspired you to start the line?
I had the fortune to participate in an artist residency program at Herekeke, in the mountains of Northern New Mexico.  The area surrounding Taos has been a spiritual home to me since I was a young girl, so it has always been a place I return to over the years, for rejuvenation and inspiration.  Together with the local residents, we built a traditional Navajo loom from the trees on their property, and used the wool that they sheered from their sheep, that we then dyed with local plants, and spun into usable wool.  It was a beautiful engagement of a vertical production process that felt both sustainable, and ancient.  The inherent nature of weaving, both the process and structure of weaving has always influenced & informed my work.   Weaving is a foundation that I always return to, and after years of working in other mediums, I felt like I had finally come home again.  I had a strong re-awakening of my sensibilities and my voice at this time, and felt an identification with the wisdom found in the practice of weaving.  It is one of the most ancient technologies we have as humans.  One of storytelling, myth, tradition, technique, transferring wisdom from one generation to the next.

3) Are you a forest fairy or mermaid?
Mermaid

4) Where is your dream vacation?
Lately I haven't been able to stop thinking about Australia.  I am so drawn to what seems to me like a vibrancy and eccentricity that is unlike anywhere else I know.  Generally anywhere that is sunny, beachy, vibrant, colorful, and also serene.  I like to go to sleepy beach towns when we are vacationing.  I get inspired by the wind in the palms, the salt of the waves, warm skin, and the heat offers the opportunity to wear bright and bold colors and patterns that doesn't otherwise happen in an everyday urban setting.

If you have a busy schedule you probably can't afford the luxury of escaping to a spa for a facial. Sometimes we can create the same relaxing experience in our own back yard. Just a few minutes steaming and sitting with a powerful mask can add blessed moments to your day. To launch the opening of The Local Rose store here is a mini video on La Bella Figura's mask made with Manuka honey and the daily elements defense oil. The oil can be found on The Local Rose Shop and the mask on La Bella's. Manuka honey is from the bees that pollinate the Manuka bush in New Zealand. It is always important to make sure the honey is "active". Being active means the honey has antimicrobial properties. This makes it an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial super food.

We started the skin routine by steaming with purifying tea bags filled with herbs and blossoms. Then the healing mask went on followed by the daily face oil. All these natural, nourishing elements make the skin glow and happy!

Beautiful camera work by Mel Blanchard.

My most favorite little neighborhood gourmet, organic grocery store The Cookbook in Echo park now has a sister restaurant called Cortez. The menu is Mediterranean inspired and served family style. Marta Teegen and Robert Stelzner have created a culinary sanctuary and for all of us anti-GMO foodies this place feels serene with it's heath bowls, rustic tables,  and easy ambiance. If I am East I always stop by for their daily salad, quiche and a slice of their lemon poppy seed cake served with fresh mint tea.