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Santa Barbara International Film Festival: “The Great Huki”

January 30, 2012 in Giving Back, Media, Sustainability, Videos with Comments Off

We are proud to announce the world premier of “The Great Huki” at the 27th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This is our debut film, a short documentary that is also officially accepted to the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival.

Here’s a link to the SBIFF Program Guide

Photo: Celeste Dudderar Link to IMDB Trailer

“The Great Huki” (huki is the Hawaiian word meaning “pull together, gather”) tells the story of how a tiny community organization took a huge first step toward saving a beautiful Hawaiian bay, by attacking the invasive alien algae (mudweed) that was killing it.

Maunalua Bay was a dying bay. Malama Maunalua, a tiny non-profit, was started by a small group of concerned residents to restore it. After identifying invasive alien algae (mudweed) as one of the top threats to the Bay, Malama Maunalua enlisted and trained community volunteers to begin removing it. One bag at a time, the community began to take care of its Bay. Then, Malama Maunalua was awarded a NOAA grant for a ‘shovel ready’ project and accelerated their efforts for the restoration of the Maunalua Bad. They hired a contractor to remove the mud weed and thus began ‘The Great HUKI’.

During the 18 months of “The Great Huki”, full-time crews removed 3.0 million pounds of invasive alien algae and cleared 26 acres of precious near-shore area.

Today, the 26 acres remain cleared of silt and mudweed. All of the removed mudweed is being used as composts. Scientists are finding that the removal of the mudweed is indeed improving the health of the Bay. And the community continues its work –knowing that even such a large step, was only the first step. MalamaMaunalua.org for more information about the great work of this organization.

SCION AUDIO VISUAL Presents: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY

November 14, 2011 in Art, Media, Videos with Comments Off

Our good friend, Lisa Schulte, has her latest neon creation installed in a group show at the SCION. Here is a link to RSVP to the opening on Saturday November 19. The show runs through December 10. Also, check out the other artists represented in the show on curator Kenton Parker’s Video.

“A Conversation” 10′ x 20′ Neon Symbol Installation by Lisa Schulte

Artist Statement:

Neon is a unique and remarkable medium. It does not operate at a 2D or even 3D level. It is multi-dimensional alchemy. It is light extracted from air – and manifested into form. One could say that working in neon is akin to bringing sky to touch ground – harnessing the spiritual to the earth.

I have been blessed to work in this multi-dimensional medium for thirty years, creating works of light for others and expressing myself. Light, in one form or another, has been the only way I know how to express myself. I have always felt that light tells a story: it fills in the blanks, reveals the dimensions, and communicates feelings, but at some point in my work, something was missing for me in each piece I created. I had changed- and my world went dark – neon no longer filled in the blanks or communicated my feelings. My story was gone. It was if someone had turned the light switch off.

“Processing” by Lisa Schulte was installed at “A Certain Slant of Light” an exhibition at The Church in Santa Barbara. Photo: Cyndee Howard

These neon pieces have evolved out of my personal struggle to move from darkness back into the light and to recreate my voice as an artist. Augustus Hare said, “Light when suddenly let in, dazzles and hurts and almost blinds us; but this soon passes away and it seems to become the only element we can exist in.” This is absolutely true for me. Light — dazzling, soft, dappled, and dripping from every surface and in every person, finally found its way back to me. Neon–extracted from the air, abundantly found in the universe, yet elusive on earth, is giving new vibrancy to my life, my art, and self again. To bend light, manipulate it, control it, and make it beautiful, when you once had the fear that it would never return to you, is truly a gift. My inspiration comes from the world around me and the transformative quality of light in and on land, sky, sea, and city. In the right light, seen from a certain angle, everything becomes extraordinary. I feel extraordinarily lucky to be able to devote myself to this work that brings illumination into a world truly in need of it.

Check out Lisa’s Website what a talent!

Venice Water Taxis, Motoscafi, are Fun and Fabulous & Romantic!

August 12, 2011 in Air & Sea, Architecture, Design, Luxury Travel, Videos with 1 Comment

Venice Water Taxis or Motoscafi are in my opinion, the best way to navigate around Venice in the summertime to avoid throngs of tourists and to enjoy the beauty and Architecture of Venice.

Amber and Leo, en route to dinner with us in a Motoscafo from Palazzetto Pisani. Leo is a native of Padua and Amber a transplanted Californian living happily in Paris with Leo. Gregg and I were their guests at Leo’s family home Palazetto Pisani on the Grand Canal (Center below).

When arriving into Marco Polo Airport in Venice the Water Taxi dock is an 7 minute walk from the terminal. You really don’t need a reservation as there are always Taxis coming and going and a dispatcher on hand to take your credit card. But if you’re more comfortable with a reservation here is a link to Motoscafi Venezia

Water Taxis in Venice are not cheap. It will cost 100-110 Euro to Get from the Airport Dock to a hotel on the Grand Canal like the Hotel Bauer Il Palazzo. It is a fixed rate; no negotiation. If you’ve ever had the Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp fantasy from The Tourist, then go for it. We did and it was totally worth it. photo: OKmagazine.

If you are dying for more visuals of this romantic and dreamy place, see a video of the experience recorded by Wendy Perrin, Consumer News Director for Conde Nast and author of one of the top travel blogs, The Perrin Post. If you are dying to experience it for yourself, keep your eyes on LuxuryLink for deals in the Auctions section. The VirtualTourist will help you find your way.

And don’t forget to tell us all about it when you get back home.

Stylish and Sustainable Bicycles

June 22, 2011 in Design, Sustainability, Videos with 1 Comment

The desire for the perfect summertime bike, complete with a comfy seat and a wicker basket is a yearly fetish that breezes in with Summer just as the perfect pair of boots blows in with the Fall. Over the past ten years, I have acquired several “fixer- upper” bikes from yard sales. Visions of grandeur accompanied every one, a “simple” paint job here, and cute little basket there. (..some new tires, brakes..) Let’s just say, my husband was never thrilled with my ”rescue projects” that never served a purpose beyond invading space in the garage. After 10 years together, he possibly thinks I do not even know how to ride one.

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Because we just moved back into the bike- friendly neighborhood where I lived for fifteen years and where my main mode of transportation was my trusty two-wheeler, I can feel an itch for that perfect summer–cycle beginning to kick in. Top that with a probable resolution for fitting exercise into my busy schedule. The high cost of gas. The environmental benefits…. and I think it is time to satisfy that nagging itch.

design story, public bike, colorful, rides smooth, dream ride, comfort, basket, seat

But, how to decide on what bike? There are so many beauties out there these days.

Design Story just featured the Public bike. An urban bike that “rides like butter” and includes all the options like baskets, bags and bells. They are great- looking bikes with colors to suit everyone. They seem to be inspired by the bikes John and Gregg used to get around Paris last summer.

And then there is this bright and cheery Abuela 3 Speed we spotted at Cb2 last week during our furniture shopping extravaganza. It has “Summer” written all over it.

Did you know that Urban Outfitters now has a Bike Shop? I just designed my custom bike (or 5) here. With four bike styles and an array of color choices from the frame all the way to the bell, you can get as outrageous as you like for under $500.

Another dreamy-cycle of mine is the bamboo bike. I passed one up at a local vintage shop for under $200, and kick myself every year as the cycle hunt begins. would-a, could-a, should-a.

But then, maybe this is what I have been waiting for. For some reason Angelina Jolie comes to mind.

If you like the sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo idea, but are more advanced in your riding skills, check out Fashioncraz top 5 Bamboo Bicycles.

For those who do not like to ride alone, this eco-friendly tandem bicycle is sure to turn some heads.

On the more cutting edge note, there are these Concept Bicycles called Versabikes – A Nathan Durflinger Design.

More great bicycles from HabitusLiving including these unusual designs..VANMOOF. Gary Galego’s Carbonwood. Jelly Bean Bike

Top Image credit, @N00/2529830021/" target="_blank">catbagan, via Flikr

A Match Made in Hollywood: Billy Haines and Joan Crawford

June 22, 2011 in Architecture, Art, Design, Videos with Comments Off

William “Billy” Haines was what we like to call a triple threat: He could act, he could dance, and he could…decorate? That last skill came in handy when MGM caught wind of Haines’ having a boyfriend and quickly wanted to find Haines a bride for publicity purposes; when he refused, he was fired. Performance career over, Haines opened a decorating business and brought high style to Hollywood homes for nearly 50 years. Among many of his famous clients was Joan Crawford, a frequent costar and lifelong friend.

The handsome Billy Haines takes a respite on a chaise longue designed by Haines.

Billy’s good friend Joan Crawford poses in different rooms of her Hollywood home which Haines decorated. Gorgeous!

Joan Crawford, a timeless beauty.

Billy Haines’ influence is still present today with the popularity of Hollywood Mid-Century style. Here are a few images of John and Gregg’s home in Montecito, CA.

The couch in their glamourous living room is a Billy Haines original! Small world!

John and Gregg’s peaceful courtyard evokes simple Hollywood elegance.

Haines has designed some great modern classics such as The Elbow Chair, and the sofa commisioned in the 1930′s for Jack Warner. Ironically, the home featured above was owned prior to John and Gregg by another famed Jack Warner of the architecture firm, The Warner Group.

To learn more about Billy Haines, pick up a copy of this wonderful book which features Billy and Joan on the cover!

Fabulous at Any Age

June 8, 2011 in Design, Fashion, Media, Videos with 3 Comments

Many of us fear getting older. I for one, thought that on my 23rd birthday my life was over…I‘m a bit dramatic. However, how are we suppose to embrace getting older when we live in a culture that places so much importance on staying youthful by any means necessary. When I flip through the pages of Vogue, it is hard for me, a twenty something, to relate to the 15 year old models. No woman is ever going to look the way she did when she was a teenager, and why should she want to? If I remember correctly, my teen years were filled with braces and bad fashion choices. Sure, my body was as thin as a rail, but I feel more beautiful now than ever before.

My hope is that we as a society can change our perception of age and aging. If you, men and women, are not embracing your wrinkles and learning to love those gray hairs then I would like you to meet the inspiring women featured on the marvelous blog, Advanced Style. This blog has completely lifted my spirits and has gotten me excited about my own aging process. These women have maintained their individualism and sparkle over the years and I personally think they have never looked better!

Believe it or not, this fashion- forward woman is 99 years old! Her fun use of accessories and groovy print blouse is a look that works for every age.

Here is our girl again, rocking a menswear- inspired look accessorized with a silk scarf and gold earrings which add feminine touches. Mixing and matching masculine and feminine pieces is an easy way to achieve a chic look.

Damn, girl! 90 year old Edith Drake is sporting a mini skirt and fishnets. Take notes girls, I see many a youngin’ try to wear this same look; however, it usually lacks the conservative yet sexy and fun vibe that Ms. Drake wears so nicely.

My all time favorite style icon: Little Edie of Grey Gardens.

So what have I learned about growing older? By the looks of the women above, I’ve learned that it’s totally awesome! Lastly, I would like to leave you with this video. It gives me chills and fills my heart will happiness! Enjoy!