the vintage vine

Welcome to the Jungle

2012-01-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

Let's talk about Farm Peace & Love on Little Corn.

Its not a book....its a place here on the island.

In order to have dinner you must make a reservation 24hrs before.

Alan and Tom (friends we made at the airport in Managua) asked us to join

them for dinner and agreed that they would venture and make the arrangements.

There are many different routes and paths to take around the island, some much

more enjoyable than others. A few are slightly paved but mostly are made of dirt and rocks. Being on little corn is like a big camping excursion. Tom and Alan told us that their trip to set up the reso was pretty intense (and they did this barefoot). They took the beach route and then mud paths until they stumbled upon the house. I was assured that we would not be traveling that route.

We decided to meet at 5:45 to head out for the journey to the farm before sunset. Our dinner

reservation was at 7, and the walk was supposed to be about 35 minutes.

After the sun sets on the island it is pitch black outside and there are no lightposts

guiding your way. Funny thing is... the sun was already set by the time we started walking

and we were forced to find it with the light of our headlamps and the directions

they gave us at the hotel. We got the first 10 minutes of the directions right and from there it

was all downhill. I swashed through mud, walked through (what I would call) a swamp,

saw HUGE crabs, heard many creatures crawling, and well we were lost.

Im not a big fan of this type of adventure. I felt as if I were on the show survivor or a cruel

episode of criminal minds and the serial killer makes the victim run through the jungle

before he cuts them up and feeds them to the pigs. If we would have recorded this I imagine it

to resemble the Blair Witch Project- in a jungle. Anyways, there were so many paths,

and at this point we didn't have a clue what they originally told us. Finally, we saw a light. WE MADE IT!!! The smell of food confirmed that this was the right house.

All of us were drenched in sweat, and im sure you could read the horror on my face. My shoes

were caked in mud and my legs were not a pretty sight either.

Paolo brought out a bottle of wine for us and I can say that I have never appreciated a glass of wine

more in my life than after that journey.

Dinner was amazing, and thanks to a better set of directions and our complete attention we made

it back in half the time. The path home was a million times better.

Our hotel is directly across from the town side.

First course pasta with a fresh tomato sauce.

Bry, Paolo, and me

All in all...I can't say I'd like to do that again, but I am glad I did.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Little Corn- tres

2012-01-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

We woke up at 8am this morning and Bry headed out to his morning dive.

I went to have breaky at the hotel restaurant. I had my first cup of coffee since we left

and enjoyed coconut french toast with fresh fruit. YUM. I chatted up a

few Texans, exchanged travel stories and went back to the room. As soon as I put on my bathing suit a light rain hit the island and the water turned incredible shades of turquoise and blue. Breathtaking.

For the next few hours I sat on our veranda, listened to the sounds of the waves breaking and the palm trees swaying. I read for a bit... and attempted to draw the view from the veranda.


coconut french toast

Now its time for a cold beer!

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Little Corn- Dos

2012-01-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

Goodmorning Little Corn! ;) This morning I woke up

extremely hungover... yet very very happy.

The waves coaxed me out of bed.

Bry & I took a walk to the dive shop and scheduled his dives.

He's actually on his night dive right now. I'm really jealous.

As soon as I get over the fear that diving brings I too will dive.

(Next time.)

Back to the story- After the dive shop we went to the Shack for lunch.

Bry copied off me, so we both had the fish tacos. The shack is right on the beach with tables in the sand.

After lunch we walked the beach back, confirmed with a few people

we met on the boat that we would be attending the bonfire this evening and then

hopped in the water for a swim.

After a much needed dip we laid in the hammocks, read a book, and i sipped a victoria.

Life is good here on the island.

Bry on our walk towards the dive shop.

The dock where the panga boat dropped us off.

Bry had to do a refresher before his night dive.

Our view at lunch.

I love the decorative leafs on the menu. ;)

Self portrait.

This is me being "forced" into drinking two beers.

Fish tacos at The Shack

Our room in heaven.

The view from our heaven.

Optional eating spot.


A great way to relax before dinner.

Ok well off to take a nap before dinner and the bonfire!

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Little Corn- uno

2012-01-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

6am- Cleveland, Ohio to Houston

9am- Houston to Managua

2:30- Managua to Big Corn

(with a stop in Bluefields)

5:30- Panga boat to Little Corn

6:30- walk in the darkness to Little Corn Beach & Bungalow

Wow! I made it! For the past week I've been ridiculously excited and well... terribly afraid.

I sat on google and youtube watching endless amounts of video and reading crazy stories about the

panga ride over. Let me tell you, it was the BEST part of the journey. With 30 deep, we all sat and

watched the sunset as the ocean breeze chilled our moods. A long track over for many...but the boat

ride confirmed the decision to venture to Little Corn. As soon as we reached the island many people were standing on the dock shouting names and holding signs. We quickly found Henry, a 15 year old island

native. He came equipped with his wheelbarrel to carry our luggage. After a 10-15 minute walk

through complete darkness, we arrived at our hotel( not only dark, but muddy, and through the center of a jungle). Henry brought our bags to the room and we checked in with Amanda. Amanda briefed us on all the rules and tips for the island.

Am I in heaven?

My room is a bungalow 10 steps from the water. Crystal blue and turquoise waves

will be outside of my window for 9 wonderful days. This island has no vehicles, and the power

shuts off from 5am until 2pm. I cant use my cell phone, and better yet, no one can get ahold

of me. I love it.

For the first night on the island we ate at the hotel. I had red snapper with a red chili sauce and Bry went with the dry rub ribs. Both were great, we walked away with a nice buzz ( amazing pina coladas and margaritas) and a full belly.

We enjoyed a few after dinner drinks and frolicked around the beach before crashing to the

sound of the waves.

Goodnight Little Corn.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

A new year, a new island.

2012-01-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's a new year & I'm ready for calmer waters...

so next week I'm heading to Nicaragua.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Homemade Pear Brandy

2011-11-23T09:48:00.001-08:00

PEAR BRANDY

recipe makes: 7 Large Jars

2- 1.75L of Brandy

3lbs- Seckel Pears

1- bag of skewers

1- bag of sugar

7- Lg canning Jars

Directions:

1. Sterilize jars

2. Cut pears into slices and place on skewers.

Place skewer into each jar.

3. Add 1cup of sugar to each jar.

4. Pour Brandy over pears and fill the jar to

the top making sure all pears are covered.

5. Seal jar and place in a cool, dry storage for

1 month.

Time to decorate!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

West Side Market

2011-11-14T09:31:00.001-08:00

The road trip finally came to an end and I've officially been back in Cleveland for a

week and two days. It feels nice to be amongst family and lifetime friends but it sure

can be a bit boring compared to Los Angeles. In attempts to please my LA craving, I

headed to the West Side Market. OBSESSED. Thank you Ohio.

Saturday morning.

We left when our bags were full and our shoulders were aching. Not recommended for those

feeling hungover...but def something to see!

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

What does your closet look like?

2011-11-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

St. Augustine, Fla

Cassandra and her family's beautiful store!!

Cassandra and I went in and re-merchandised the whole thing

just before her 5 year birthday for The Closet.

The party was a success, and I ended up with a Helton Hill skirt. :)

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

The Levee

2011-11-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Sunset at the Levee

The Levee was responsible for 80% of New Orleans flooding during the Katrina catastrophe.

We found beauty in destruction. Thanks for sharing this with me Brad.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Uptown to the Garden District

2011-11-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

On the first day of being in New Orleans we jumped on the streetcar.....

Headed towards

STREET

& got a bite to eat at


( Juans Flying Burrito )

~~The Highlight~~

Margaritas & light fixtures

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Isabel & Diana's

2011-11-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

After Fredericksburg, Texas we packed up and hauled it to New Orleans for Halloween weekend.

We stayed at Isabel & Diana's cute anthropology influenced home in uptown.

It was more than nice to be greeted with a beer and

a warm, cozy home.

Vivere Grandi,
Ivy

Nikki Reed

2011-11-01T23:29:00.000-07:00

Ahhh finally!!! Here are some of the outfits from the fitting! Nikki looks smokin! Its amazing what you can fit into only a few suitcases.

6th International Rome Film Festival

Nikki is wearing a Maria Lucia Hohan gown.


From left to right- Michael Kors, Topshop, Alice by Temperly, Jenni Kayne.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Kittycatting Around

2011-11-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

MEEEOOOoooooOWWWW

I'm thinking about wearing my Halloween costume year round, what do you think?

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Where Hope Floats

2011-11-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

L U C K E N B A C H

Just outside of Fredericksburg, TX is the famously known Luckenbach.

We went to hear what all the fuss was about and check out the picker's circle.
The circle took turns playing song after song and we threw back shiner bocks til they closed.
Happy Golden Birthday Cassandra Helton!!

ShAnnie

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

It was a Vintage Fantasy

2011-10-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

A hidden treasure and a vintage fantasy.
Silver City, New Mexico

Along the way we have been scouting and stopping at vintage/thrift stores. This one was incredible!!!! She started with her hat collection and slowly added the rest. Pan Am, I suggest your costume department gets in contact!

The owner of Vintage Fantasies.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

The Peach Tree Inn

2011-10-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

3rd & favorite ~~STOP~~- The Peach Tree Inn

Fredericksburg, Texas

I love Texas, home of the proud, and proud of their home... I would gladly move to a town like Fredericksburg. The hospitality and kind nature of the people here will never be forgotten.

YEEEEHAAAWW

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Silver City's Golden Spot

2011-10-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

2nd ~~STOP~~- The Gila House

Cute as a button!

If you're stopping in Silver City make sure to check out the Gila House. The collective array of art

and small town charm is something to be seen!

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

The Clarendon Hotel

2011-10-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

1st STOP- Phoenix, Arizona

Upon entry the walls in the reception area were adorned with jewelry. Love at first sight.

Don't forget to look up when you check in! The chandeliers look like a beautiful cluster of Hydrangeas.

Not too shabby. Relax, have a drink at the bar and admire the local art.

This one is for you Jam, it reminds me of Banksy. Please... recreate.

The stunning rooftop view.

Yours truly, and the master planner behind this adventure Cassandra Helton

Next stop- Silver City, New Mexico

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

The Big Move.

2011-10-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the sale, we had our fit model head over (also big spender for the sale) Carla Weisner.

She modeled about 13 looks... and bought 8 of them. Thanks momma Weisner.


Carla is wearing a vintage black blazer with a beaded collar and a Cache bodysuit.

Day 1....I can not tell you the amount of times these racks fell over..

Day 2...the home goods section is almost gone....


Thats a wrap!!!!! Jam & Goo Bear worked really hard today.

The moving sale was a success... $1,000.00 and a few Coronas later..

It's time to hit the road!!!

While Jam is preparing for her big move- i'll be driving across the country.

Next stop- Phoenix, Arizona

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Punkin'

2011-10-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sushi Roku on 3rd for Happy Hour with Jam.

Normally.... I'm not one to blog about what I eat... because well... its just food... but this was well worth its own story. The most amazing (complimentary) dessert. Thanks Nash!


The pumpkin was baked and edible on the outside. The inside- imagine pumpkin pie mixed with a creamy mouse. Accompanied with a crisp cinnamon stick. YUMMMMMM

Guest appearance & dinner date- JAM

If you live in the Los Angeles area and like to catch happy hour. Check out my friend Maren's site- http://www.lovehappyhour.com.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

The Beauty of Prayer

2011-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I stumbled across the most beautiful

picture I have ever seen.

When you feel stressed... or have a bad day...think of this....

100,000 monks in prayer for a better world.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

T W I L I G H T- fitting.

2011-10-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

Beginning at 8am, I helped prepare for the Nikki Reed fitting.

If you don't happen to know who she is ... she plays Rosalie in Twilight.

Nikki is getting ready to jet set around the world for the release of Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.

With 47 looks ready to go... lets hope shes ready!

Topshop, Marchesa, DVF,


Racks & racks of designer.... all of these will be returning to their rightful showrooms.

I'll be patiently waiting to find & show you pics of the looks we did use!

Especially her look for the Rome premier.

Vivere Grandi,

Ivy

Bought & Sold.

2011-10-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

With a decade of thrifting under my belt I've learned the value of
others trash. All of these pieces were found in goodwills and second-hand
stores throughout Ohio. After hours of rummaging.. and wondering through
isles.. these are some of the beauties i've found..fixed..polished.. and resold.

Purchased- $4 Sold-$38


White leather shorts. Purchased-$6 Sold-$35


Beaded top. Purchased-$8 Sold-$38


Purchased + new zipper -$30 Sold-$90


Jean crop jacket. Purchased-$4 Sold-$25


Paige Denim leather vest. Purchased $12 Sold-$35

Purchased-$6 Sold-$38

The art (and profit) behind thrifting.

A single idea or a sudden flash of thought may be worth a million dollars.

Do what you love... and you'll love what you do.

Vivere grandi,

Ivy

Models- Bethany Osborne McDaniel & Missy Strong

Photographer- Darren D'Altorio

Selling the dress.

2011-10-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

It's hard to part with anything beautiful! But I am cleaning out my closets and everything must go. By the end of this week my vintage finds will have found their way onto the racks of a new home. C'est la vie.

Model is Missy Strong. Photographer- Darren D'Altorio.

This one I like the most, everything about it is amazing. The beading is truly something to be appreciated. There is so much adventure behind this picture. We shot in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere, on a sunny afternoon in Ohio. I'm not one for jumping fences so thank god the worst part was crawling through the window.......come to think of it... I'm not sure I ever did try the front door.

Vivere grandi,

Ivy

2011-10-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Its rainy and beautiful in LA today... I've been waiting for this kind of weather! I hope that it sticks around for a few days. Each raindrop brings a small dose of creativity and inspiration to my doorstep.

My dear friend left these geek-chic glasses on accident and I haven't let them out of my sight since ( no pun intended :). I fought the trend for quite sometime... but honestly... I LOVE THEM.


Self photography

Vivere grandi,

Ivy