Artelexia

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Giveaway

2012-02-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I've been MIA. I thought that i would be able to post from my iPhone while on our trip but I've been having some techincal difficulties. If you would like to follow along with us, visit our Facebook page. Our lucky Valentine's Day winner is...Gee Whiz Lady E!!! Congratulations Lady E!! Thank you to all who participated!

Moving SALE

2012-01-24T16:49:00.000-08:00

Mexico Lindo

2012-01-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we are heading out on our 3 week long trip to search for new product for the new store! I am sooo excited to be going with my dad on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. My bag is packed, my camera is charged and I am ready for an adventure. Let's get one thing straight - this is not a luxury vacation. We are going to be staying in hostels, spending the nights on buses, eating at the markets and living out of a backpack (you heard me, 1 backpack). So, as much as I would love to look like this girl in the picture above, I probably won't. :) But that's okay. If you are interested in following along with us we will be posting as usual and updating our Facebook Page with photos from the trip. Are you ready?! Let's go!

Click here to enter our Valentine's Day GIVEAWAY.

San Diego Museum of Art: Vochol

2012-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

Going on now at the San Diego Museum of Art - This 1990 Beetle was covered in 2,277,000 beads applied by eight artisans from two Huichol families, who finished their work in late 2010. While you are there make sure to check out the Mexican Modern Paintings from the Andres Blaistein Collection.

What is Huichol? Descendents of the Aztec, the Huichol or Wixáritari are an indigenous ethnic group of western central Mexico, living in the Sierra Madre Occidental range in the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango. They are best known to the larger world as the Huichol; however, they refer to themselves as Wixáritari ("the people") in their native Huichol language. For the Huichol, yarn painting is not only an aesthetic or commercial art form. The symbols in these paintings are sprung out of Huichol culture and its shamanistic traditions. The yarn paintings were originally used as offerings at their religious sites. From the small beaded eggs and jaguar heads to the modern detailed yarn paintings in psychedelic colors, each is related to a part of Huichol tradition and belief. The beaded art is a relatively new innovation and is constructed using glass, plastic or metal beads pressed onto a wooden form covered in beeswax. Common bead art forms include masks, bowls and figurines. Like all Huichol art, the bead work depicts the prominent patterns and symbols featured in the Huichol religion. Peyote is a focal point for their ceremonies, and their colorful beadwork and yarn work reflects a reverent and symbiotic relationship with nature.

Where can you view and purchase Huichol pieces? Casa Artelexia, of course! ;)

{Photo: Imelda Mediana}

AMOR: Pretty Painted Walls

2012-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

There is so much to do to get ready for the new store (eek!). We leave next week on our buying trip leaving us little time to make some big decisions. Picking colors is one of them. One thing we absolutely love at Casa Artelexia is color. Lots and lots of color. We've painted every single room and ceiling a different color. The outside of the store is even painted a bright orange (and I mean BRIGHT) with a royal blue trim (think Frida Kahlo's house). It took us forever to choose the colors our first time around - we practically lived in the paint department at Home Depot and changed our minds about a trillion times. It is so hard to decide on a color palette when there are so many possibilities. With the new space we have a TON of wall space and we will be doing the painting ourselves. Yup, you heard right. I'm counting on YouTube to teach me how to faux paint. Crazy? Absolutely. Once we settle on the colors then everything else is a piece of cake. Have you ever faux-painted? Any tips? Which colors do you like best? Here are a few colors that caught my eye. Enjoy!

{Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}

Amigas Por Siempre

2012-01-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Love this picture by Zocalo.

Destination: Mexico

2012-01-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

This girl is going shopping. When? A week from today. Where to? Puebla, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Chiapas, and Mexico City for a total of 19 days. Am I excited? Hell yeah! Usually my dad goes alone on the shopping trips but this time I will be learning the ropes. We only have 2 months to open our new store and we need product. Lots of product. We will be searching high and low for furniture, mirrors, paintings, textiles, jewelry, tabletop, ceramic - you name it. I'll be hand-selecting the product, meeting the artists, visiting their studios and homes, riding in buses for 10 hours at time, taking as many pictures as my camera will allow, eating and drinking until my heart's content, visiting markets and having one amazing adventure with my dad. I've only been to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City but the other places will be all new to me. Have you been to any of these places? Do you have any recommendations? I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE any and all suggestions!!

{Photos: Bracelets, Painting, Door, Sarapes}

A Valentine's Day Giveaway!

2012-01-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is less than a month away and we are giving away one of these gorgeous pillow covers to one lucky winner! You can keep it for yourself or give it to your Valentine. Good luck!

HOW TO ENTER (You may enter each way one time.)
1. Leave a comment in the comment section below.
2. “Like" our Facebook Page, Casa Artelexia on Facebook (if you already “like” it then you’re already entered just let me know in the comment section below)
3. Repost this link to the Giveaway (http://artelexia.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-day-giveaway.html) on your own Facebook page, then leave the link to that page in the comment section of the contest page (below).

Giveaway ends 11:59 PM PST 1/31/12. A winner will be chosen at random and announced later that week.

Fabric Love

2012-01-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I'm so excited to share with you some new fabric swatches that I found last week. They are all very Mexican inspired and will fit in perfectly with the new store. Aren't they great?! I'm thinking of reupholstering some chairs, making pillows, napkins and tablecloths. What would you make with this fabric? Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear!

Change of Address

2012-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

We have been busy bees over here prepping for our NEW LOCATION! Yes, lots of changes this coming year. Casa Artelexia is proud to announce that we will be moving across the street to a much larger location. In addition to what we have now, we will also carry furniture (both funky and traditional rustic), lighting, tons of textiles, books, offer custom design services, a gallery space, and lots more!! Our space is very empty and in need of lots of love, care and color! Here are a few pictures of inspiration for the new space. What would you like to see more of? We would LOVE to hear!

{Photos: Here}

Happy New Year!

2012-01-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Happy (late) New Year! Hope that you have had a good first 2 weeks. I must say that so far this year has been really wonderful! Lots of exciting changes coming our way, the weather has been fantastic here in San Diego and my New Year's resolutions are going strong. How about you? Have you been sticking to your New Year's resolutions? One of my favorite activities to do in January is make a vision board to help keep me on track throughout the year. I've made one for the past three years and it has proven to be quite helpful. I'll share mine with you in a few days. What do you do to stay on track and motivated throughout the year?

What the heck is a Vision Board - and how can it change your life?

{Photo: Confetti System}

Advent Calendar: Day 17 - 21

2011-12-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Macy's Herlad Square

Hi there! Sorry that I've been missing these past few days. My little sister is in town and I have been showing her all around town. It is so ~~pretty~~ magical here this time of year. Everywhere you look there are twinkling lights, Christmas trees, holiday decorations and wreaths. Tis the season here in NYC (especially since we are from San Diego). Here are a few photos from this weekend. What are your favorite things to do in the NYC during the holidays?

Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Window Display

Wollman Rink Central Park

Dyker Heights Lights

Magnolia Bakery

Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

Click here to see what Robyn has won!

{Photo: RUE}

AMOR: Pretty Ribbons

2011-12-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I went a little overboard. Right now over at The Gilded Bee you can save 30% on all ribbons and pretties. So I did what any reasonable girl would do, I placed a small order. And by small order, I mean all of these pictured here. I told you I went overboard. Seriously, how could I resist? My absolute favorite is the ruffled crepe garland. Which one do you like best?

{Photos: The Gilded Bee}

Advent Calendar: Day 15 & 16

2011-12-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't love these sweet silly snowmen breakfast?!

{Photos: Pancake & Milk}

Advent Calendar: Day 14

2011-12-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

How sweet is this photo?! What a great idea for a holiday card with your loved one or even the whole family. I am definitely going to have to try this one out. Wishing you a holiday full of love and light!!

{Photo by Haley Sheffield}

Advent Calendar: Day 13 (And a Giveaway!)

2011-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

Hello there! We are excited to share with you that we will be giving away this adorable hand-made, hand-painted nativity scene to one lucky winner. To enter our giveaway please LIKE our New Facebook Page (click here). A winner will be chosen at random on December 16th and mailed out just in time for Christmas. Want to purchase one, click here for pricing and info. Good luck!

AMOR: Rain Boots

2011-12-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

It has been raining non-stop here in San Diego and it's got me thinking about rain boots. I absolutely love wearing rain boots, especially with some cute tights or leggings. So cozy and cute! Too bad we rarely get the opportunity to wear them here. Anyhow, if you do get to wear them, here are a few of my top picks. I also found a tutorial here to make your very own embellished ribbon wellies. Can't wait to try it out! Enjoy!

{Photos: Matt Clayton, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Advent Calendar: Day 12

2011-12-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas trees and silly little brothers... :)

AMOR: Christmas Carols

2011-12-12T15:48:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite Christmas songs for you to enjoy!

December 12th - Our Lady of Guadalupe

2011-12-12T15:04:00.000-08:00

The Story of the Virgin of Guadalupe

On December 12^th, 1531, the image of The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, is said to have appeared on the robe of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Juan Diego was an Aztec convert to Roman Catholicism, bridging two worlds, that of the Aztec who saw her and that of the Spanish conquerors who now ruled his land. She has since become the patron and symbol of Mexico, a country born of this fusion of cultures.

According to the traditional account, Juan Diego was walking between his village and Mexico City on December 9^th, 1531, when Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared, speaking to him in his native Náhuatl language. She told him she wanted a church built on Tepeyac Hill and told him to communicate her wish to the authorities. Juan Diego told Mexico's first Bishop, Juan de Zumárraga, but the Bishop didn't believe him. The Virgin appeared to Juan Diego again, asking him to go see the Bishop on Sunday. When Juan Diego went to go see the Bishop again, Zumárraga asked for proof. The Virgin appeared to Juan Diego a third time and told him to return the next day. His uncle, with whom he lived, became very ill, and Juan Diego went to find a priest to give him the last rites. The Virgin appeared for the fourth and last time on December 12th, 1531. She told Juan Diego not to worry, that his uncle was well, that she was his mother and he need fear nothing. She asked him to go gather some roses, which had never grown there, and especially in mid-winter. Miraculously, roses started to bloom at his feet. He wrapped them in his robe, and the Virgin told him not to open it until he was before the Bishop. When Juan Diego opened his robe in front of Bishop Zumárraga, the roses cascaded out and they discovered the image of the Virgin imprinted upon it.

The original cloth with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is on display in Mexico City at Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica. Pilgrims from all over Mexico and abroad converge on Tepeyac Hill and the Basilica, seeking healing and favors, keeping vows, or simply paying homage to their beloved Little Mother, Queen of Mexico. The Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated every year on December 12^th.

Advent Calendar: Day 11

2011-12-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Celebrated my best friend's birthday at our favorite restaurant with some brunch and eggnog ice cream. YUM! Even though I am not a fan of eggnog I loved this ice cream. Make your very own with this recipe from Epicurious. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups chilled heavy cream
3 tablespoons dark rum
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Special equipment: an instant-read thermometer; an ice cream maker. Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg

Bring milk and salt to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Remove from heat.

Whisk together yolks and sugar in a bowl, then gradually add 1/4 cup hot milk, whisking. Add yolk mixture to milk remaining in pan in a slow stream, whisking, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture is slightly thickened, coats back of spoon, and registers 175°F on thermometer, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately pour through a fine-mesh sieve set into a clean bowl and stir in cream, rum, vanilla, and nutmeg. Chill custard, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.

Freeze in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 2 hours. Soften slightly in refrigerator before serving, about 20 minutes.

Advent Calendar: Day 10

2011-12-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hope you are enjoying your weekend! Found this tutorial on how to make your own felt gnome here. Wouldn't these make the cutest (and very affordable) gifts?! Whenever possible I try to give handmade gifts. There is something so special about the love and work and that goes into them. Don't you think?

Happy Friday!

2011-12-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

YAY, it's Friday! There is so much to do with the holidays just around the corner. I have yet to do my Christmas shopping and probably won't get a chance until next week. Yikes! What about you? Have you already started your holiday shopping? Do you shop online or go to the stores? If you are in San Diego, you should definitely check out this little shop (it's my favorite!). ;) Happy Weekend!

BIG News coming next week! We can't wait to share!

{Photo: RUE}