September Artisan Pop Up Market!

Special thank you to everyone who joined us for our last Artisan Pop Up Market! We had some incredible vendors and makers to introduce to our local community here in Laguna Beach! Thank you to our officemates, The Neighborhood Journal for capturing the day and the spirit behind these creative and passionate new friends! 

 Featuring: 

Nica Home

Playa Goods

Morning Blossom Studio

 Charlotte Marie Jewelry,

Micaela Saldari

.

Next Pop Up Market set for Saturday, October 15th! Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply here!

#25BeautifulThings Watercolor Workshop!

I had met Anne-Louise at Unique LA and instantly fell in love with her and her newest creation 25 Beautiful Things - A Fine Art Coloring Book.  Not only was she incredibly sweet and just oozed creativity but this book…this book instantly spoke to me. Anne-Louise created 25 Beautiful Things hoping to offer a doorway to the peace, freedom and joy that come with exercising your creativity. Her goal was to have the book be more about personal love of art and less of the intimidating respect for it. During our first workshop hosted with Anne-Louise and Speak Wines, we experienced first hand the delight in discovering what kind of beauty appeals most to us while playfully experimenting with color and picking our favorites from the 25 original fine art prints on large 11" x 17" heavyweight paper (plus a few bonus pages with rebellious words of encouragement).  Everyone was encouraged to sign, frame, and share their unique work of art with the world. Did I mention we had wine? Yes, there was wine. It was pretty much the most ideal Sunday afternoon! We hope you can join us for our next one!

Photos by our friends & officemates: The Neighborhood Journal

2nd Annual SOURCED. Hawaiian Holiday Party!

Capiz Shell Window display at SOURCED.
Vintage Book Christmas Tree at SOURCED.
Tiki Bar by In Cocktails We Trust
Tiki Drinks at SOURCED.
Office Christmas Decor by Floral Fete
Tiki Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Tropical Floral Mannequin by Floral Fete
Tropical Dress Form Orchids by Floral Fete
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Floral Designer, Floral Fete - Laguna Beach
Tiki Hawaiian Holiday Party
Floral Designer, Floral Fete in Laguna Beach
The Christmas Room - Laguna Beach Lofts
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Outdoor Bistro Lights and Capiz Shells
The Neighborhood Journal at SOURCED.
Thanksgiving Potstickers
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Tiki Rum Drinks
Tiki signage
DJ Wendy, Laguna Beach CA
Singapore Sling_Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Book Christmas Tree
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED.
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED. Laguna Beach
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED. Laguna Beach
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED. Laguna Beach
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED. Laguna Beach
Hawaiian Holiday Office Party at SOURCED. Laguna Beach

Thank you to everyone who made it out to our

2nd Annual Hawaiian Holiday Party! 

(internally loving known as Tacky Tiki Party!)

We had fun playing up holiday decor at the studio this year! Stephen and Ian made sure the cottage was seen from across town with tons of twinkling lights on the building, around the door, and bistro lights overhead on our outside table. The entry way was the perfect spot for our Pinterest inspired "Vintage Book Christmas Tree" complete with airplanes as the guiding star on top. We turned another fallen branch into a window display with strung capiz shells. Nothing says "beach snow" quite like capiz shells. We turned one of our lofts into a proper "Christmas Room" with two Christmas Trees, lights, "snow", and our lit up blue barb wire reindeers by local Sculptor, friend, and neighbor - Shamus Koch. Officemates, Yoshi & Rebecca turned their office into a winter wonderland with multiple floral installations and wreaths. The show stopper was the Hawaiian inspired mannequin done up with banana leaves & orchids - just beautiful!

Friend and local, DJ Wendy's music selection complimented the tiki drinks offered by In Cocktails We Trust. We used the fancy vintage glassware, unnecessary garnishes, and tons of gangster rap! Personal favorite, the "Boochie Walla, Boochie Bang Bang" punch with Papas Pilar 24 Year Solera Rum, Allspice Dram, Blessed Booch Chai Tea Kombucha, Lemon, Sparkling Wine, Bitters, Gangster Rap. What was your favorite?

Probably the best Tuesday night of the year! The studio was definitely filled with laughter, good cheer, and hugs...tons of hugs. What can I say...we like to hug. Cheers to 2016!

Special Thanks to our friends, officemates, and sponsors!

Photography: Rebecca Judy Photography

Videography: The Neighborhood Journal 

Floral Design: Floral Fete

Tiki Bar: In Cocktails We Trust, Papa Pilar Rum, and Blessed Booch

SOURCED. turned 2! Anniversary Party Recap

TWO YEARS YOUNG! Thank you to everyone that joined us for our Anniversary Party this year. It was such a great evening connecting with our local community and sharing how we've grown. Each creative made their own specialty cocktail or beverage to share, there was beer pong sponsored by The Neighborhood Journal, and our collaborative Spotify playlist that had us swaying all night.  We were lucky enough to close out the evening with special performance from Tim Schou (Danish POP STAR, Tim Schou? - I know, how did we pull that off!?!?) and Steve Orlick turned our back kitchen into a Chinese take out restaurant making noodles to go. Some of us may or may not have ended the night by taking a midnight dip in the ocean & a Justin Bieber dance off until the wee hours. Cheers to YEAR 3!

SOURCED. turns 2
SOURCED. turns 2.
SOURCED. turns 2
Tim Schou at SOURCED.
Tim Schou at SOURCED.
Tim Schou at SOURCED.
Tim Schou at SOURCED.
Tim Schou at SOURCED.
Tim Schou at SOURCED.

Creative Profile Picture Workshop - recap

SOURCED.

We hosted our first Creative Profile Picture Workshops on August 29th - and had an absolute BLAST! We created this workshop to be able to gather with more creatives & capture them on film with a unique perspective - hopefully giving their clients, customers, and the digital world at large an inside look at their personal brand & what gets them out of bed in the morning. 

We know first hand how important is it to have the best representation of yourself for the world to see. When you are in the business of selling yourself, your brand, your services - you want someone to meet you with the ease that they already know you, what your about, and confident that you'll be able to do the job. We strongly believe that one huge mistake some creatives make is shying away from the fact you will need to put yourself out there, your face, your voice,  and your passion to be recognized as the expert your selling yourself to be. As this path changes, grows, and shifts - so will be the content & imagery you put out there. 

Being a collective workspace with two in house photographers - we've had the luxury to work together and create imagery & content that speaks to us and who we are, as individuals as well as like-minded creatives working side by side. We understand that you might not be comfortable in front of the camera - HECK, US EITHER! But we want to capture the real you, the beauty behind what you've set out to do, and share your story! 

Join us for our next workshop in October or contact us about setting up a session at your workspace or shop!

All photography by Rebecca Judy and Stephen Orlick for #CreativeProfilePictureWorkshop at SOURCED.

Business captured:

The Neighborhood Journal, Curio Huntress, ICD Green, and Elysha Mcmurtry Photography.

SOURCED. summer wrap up // PART 3

"SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER" was Rachiel's anthem for the Summer! She spent it doing what she does best - attending & hosting parties, BBQ's, card nights, and attending loved ones birthdays & weddings! She also was the main lady in charge at the studio overseeing our studio improvements and got as much beach time in as possible.

My summer started off with a bang! Had the opportunity to do some work that lead me down the California Coast spending time in San Francisco, Napa, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Enough stories packed in 10 days to fill a book. Highlights in San Francisco were definitely Nob Hill Spa at the newly renovated The Scarlet Hotel and taking in the beautiful Dahlia Garden at Conservatory of Flowers. There was the private food tour with Edible Excursions and got to meet Traci Des Jardins. She's rather amazing. Also left completely inspired by the pop up gallery and shipping container movement in Hayes Valley. I'm about that.

Screen Shot 2015-09-02 at 6.09.56 PM.png
Traci Des Jardins at Jardinière

My time in wine country was equal parts on the move and taking in incredible cuisine. Lead bike tour through dust roads framed by wild berries, a tour of Bohemian Creamery, farm to table lunch at set for royalty at Dragonfly Florals, a visit to SHED in Healdsburg (MAJOR SHOP ENVY!), and a 3.5 hour meal of a lifetime at French Laundry. Insanity. 

Dreamland at Dragonfly Floral

Dreamland at Dragonfly Floral

Honestly, I'd take one of everything. Make that two!

Honestly, I'd take one of everything. Make that two!

Best. Thing. I've. Ever. Eaten. - Oysters & Pearls

Best. Thing. I've. Ever. Eaten. - Oysters & Pearls

Carmel took the cake for me with Carmel Valley Ranch - such a magical place. Horseback riding in the Carmel Valley at sunset - soothe your soul good! Also think I found my calling in beekeeping! 

In August, we traveled to New York before a family vacation in Maine. I haven't been to New York in over a decade and has the best time exploring Brooklyn. We stayed at the oh so cool Sixty LES Hotel on the Lower East Side and they must have know I was coming because they had their pop up tiki bar for the summer. Couldn't have been happier! We were introduced to Devocion Café and I almost fell over with excitement. Such a cool vibe. Got to meet some incredible local vendors at Artists & Flea, eat yummy food at Smorgasburg, get something special at Brooklyn Flea, and just play tourist.

Tiki drinks and skylines - I <3 NY!

Tiki drinks and skylines - I <3 NY!

Every corner of Devocion was complete gold.

Every corner of Devocion was complete gold.

BROOKLYN FLEA, YA'LL!

BROOKLYN FLEA, YA'LL!

Then it was off to Maine - hands down my favorite place visited this summer. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but I was floored by how much I enjoyed the chance in pace, surrounding, and just surrendering to vacation mode. Waking up to the sound of the ceiling fan & the morning stir in the house, and a full day of whatever seemed fun. One by one we would wake up, reaching for coffee, and take in the sounds of the loons on the lake. My favorite morning was spent in conversation over painting and learning zentangle. Then it's off to explore more of the lake that brought us all here. The time out on the water...where I felt foreign and yet at home. We spent too much money & time gathering the perfect ingredients to make an insane lobster mac - a mission we accomplished and dominated at. I truly felt like I spent the week taking in the sun, the laughter, and the stillness of summer. That blue blue water surrounded by these green green trees. What a magical place. 

Harrison, Maine

Harrison, Maine

The perfect lake house we stayed at

The perfect lake house we stayed at

Rained on our last day as a send off

Rained on our last day as a send off

This summer I decided to stay local and enjoy all that Newport Beach had to offer. Sunset picnic at Inspiration Point, Corona Del Mar - This is where you will find me on most Sunday nights. Gathered with some of my favorite friends enjoying a glass of wine as the sunsets is my idea of a perfect evening.

From Memorial to Labor Day weekend it is a challenge to get a fire pit as crowds are at their peak. Bonfires on a Monday or Tuesday is a bit easier but you still need to get there a bit early to stake your claim. s'mores by a campfire is always a good time.

Bonfire at Big Corona, Corona Del Mar

Bonfire at Big Corona, Corona Del Mar

This was such a fun night! King Kong showing on the beach right after the sunset. Friends, wine, cheese, and KONG! 

Movie night at The Beachcomber, Corona Del Mar

Movie night at The Beachcomber, Corona Del Mar

This fall I have several trips planned. Santa Inez, Joshua Tree, and Ojai are just a few and I look forward to sharing my travel tips and pictures.

SOURCED. summer wrap up // PART 2

I took as many chances as I could to get some decent travel in this summer. Biggest highlight had to be planning a surprise trip for my boyfriend and I to a secret location. I put together 7 days worth of clues (had so much fun hearing everyone's guesses on Instagram) and we jetted off to Japan - I think he was pretty surprised! 

Before that we took a weekend getaway to San Francisco. My favorite part had to be bike riding across the bridge to Sausalito.

Santa Monica - Weekend Getaway to escape Laguna craziness. Stayed at the Viceroy on Ocean Ave like we were tourists.

Oregon - International Pinot Noir Conference with Dad in Mcminnville OR. Yearly activity for us as a father/daughter wino trip!

Then there was that SURPRISE GETAWAY TO JAPAN! - Spent half our time in Kyoto and the other half in crazy Tokyo.

This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Bernal Heights in San Fransisco for a 2 day flower workshop with Natasha Lisita’s Waterlily Pond Studio, with guest instructor Francoise Weeks, and a relaxing trip to Yountville, CA. 

Summer Highlights - Learning new techniques in floral design with the amazing Natasha Lisita, whom I have admired for her large installations for some time now, was so inspiring! And Francoise taught me a whole new appreciation for woodland/botanical style design. The tours of the beautiful Far Niente Winery and Schramsberg Winery on our trip to Yountville were educational, and tasty. Both have cool (literally!) mazes of wine caves, and a traditional style of wine making that I just love! AND I’m still thinking about the perfect chef’s tasting menu we had at REDD… If you find yourself in that area, do yourself a favor, and GO! 

One spot that’s one your radar for next summer- Seattle, and the Pacific Northwest… But, I doubt I’ll wait till next summer! I just love that area, gorgeous flowers, produce, and landscape. 

Natasha Lisita demonstrating a large centerpiece

Natasha Lisita demonstrating a large centerpiece

My free form cascade from the workshop

My free form cascade from the workshop

My woodland botanical bouquet from the workshop

My woodland botanical bouquet from the workshop

Wine tasting at Far Niente

Wine tasting at Far Niente

&nbsp;Schramesberg Wine Cave- All those bottles are full of sparkling wine!

 Schramesberg Wine Cave- All those bottles are full of sparkling wine!

Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 5.50.25 PM.png

It was definitely a summer to remember! I got married & we headed off to Spain! 

Where we visited: Madrid, Soria, Abejar, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Siguenza.

Favorite spot: Abejar, Spain! Small, spanish town- we went for a wedding and were treated to 17 Course lunch that started at 1pm and finished at 8pm! Also, the rooftop bars in a Spanish Art Gallery was Muy Bueno! 

On the radar for next summer… South America! (Esp. Chile and Peru!) 

SOURCED. summer wrap up // PART 1

SOURCED. summer wrap up
11828559_10207349747087122_3560293611446408541_n.jpg

WHERE DID YA GO? – Switzerland and Austria

WHO DID YOU SEE//WHAT DID YOU DO? - Loved traveling to Switzerland and Austria with my family, best friend and her parents. My favorite memory was when we went to Lech, Austria and had dinner at an Austrian cottage in the alps. So breathtaking! Just seeing my family and friends in Switzerland is always a highlight too. 

ONE SPOT THAT'S ONE YOUR RADAR FOR NEXT SUMMER? - Don't know yet. I'm always up to travel anywhere I can!

WHERE DID YA GO & WHAT DID YA SEE? - Goleta & Santa Barbara with the family!  We stayed at The Goodland Hotel...laid back retro beach scene, macrame, woodie, cocktails in the "Rita" Airstream, in-room vinyl, amazing s-shaped couch in the lobby, cruiser bikes, and the rad indigo and rope chair in the corner of my room would have come home with me if I could have fit it in my suitcase

STAND OUT MOMENTS - Pool shark cocktail and the kimchi fries at the Outpost. Shopping for vintage curio at the thrift stores and antique malls on Hollister. Pan dulce and tamales served with a dose of telenovelas at the Goleta Bakery. 

NEXT SUMMER...road tripping the California coast with a 1960's vintage trailer

SUM UP THE SUMMER IN 5 - GO!

1.&nbsp;Grad Party -&nbsp;&nbsp;I am very proud of my beautiful and talented daughter Siena who graduated this summer from USC.&nbsp;Fight ON! Celebration dinner at Pearch LA-Very cool.

1. Grad Party -  I am very proud of my beautiful and talented daughter Siena who graduated this summer from USC. Fight ON! Celebration dinner at Pearch LA-Very cool.

2.&nbsp;Santa Barbara get away!&nbsp;-&nbsp;Clamping at El Capitain State Park. Diner at Lark, Pizza at Lucky Penny, Pinot flights and Santa Barbara reginol wine tasting. Yumm

2. Santa Barbara get away! - Clamping at El Capitain State Park. Diner at Lark, Pizza at Lucky Penny, Pinot flights and Santa Barbara reginol wine tasting. Yumm

3.&nbsp;The Chicago Way -&nbsp;Design, construct the sets, dress the set, light and photograph 7 lines of branded special occasion dresses.&nbsp;Some great food and golf got mixed in with the business.

3. The Chicago Way - Design, construct the sets, dress the set, light and photograph 7 lines of branded special occasion dresses. Some great food and golf got mixed in with the business.

4.&nbsp;From the shadows of the Forest -&nbsp;I worked with friend, dancer and choreographer Jenni Kiiholma to create content for Finnish TV, social media and a fund raiser. The Fundraiser was held in at the Finnish consulate in Brentwood, CA for "F…

4. From the shadows of the Forest - I worked with friend, dancer and choreographer Jenni Kiiholma to create content for Finnish TV, social media and a fund raiser. The Fundraiser was held in at the Finnish consulate in Brentwood, CA for "From the Shadows of the Forest" an evening of dance, live music and poetry at the Martha B. Knoeble Dance Theatre in Long Beach.

5.&nbsp;Catalina Wine Mixer -&nbsp;Actually... no wine involved during this mixer. Opted for Margaritas and Michelada (I discovered I don't really like Michelada)&nbsp;Great snorkeling with my daughters and wife.

5. Catalina Wine Mixer - Actually... no wine involved during this mixer. Opted for Margaritas and Michelada (I discovered I don't really like Michelada) Great snorkeling with my daughters and wife.

Meet the Creative // The Neighborhood Journal

neighborhoodjournalnotext.jpeg

Our clan is growing! In late July we welcomed Eddie & Jordan of The Neighborhood Journal as our new officemates. After working with this dynamic on a number of creative projects and videos, we can contest first hand to their talent and laid back vibe. Well, we'll let them tell you what they're all about...

How did The Neighborhood Journal start?
We started The Neighborhood Journal with the idea that we wanted to document the creative people around us and build an online community where we could honestly showcase their talents and ideas through our own creative ability to tell their story.

What inspires you most about Laguna?
For us Laguna Beach feels like a place that naturally attracts creative people and seeing that happening around us pushes our creativity, naturally making us do better and work harder.

If someone’s visiting from out of town, where do you take them?
For us we most likely would take them to Ruby Street Beach and then grab food at La Sirena, if the beach wasn’t an option we would go to the Packing House in Anaheim or our favorite coffee shop in San Juan Capistrano, Hidden House. 

When you need a boost of creative inspiration how do you get it?
If we need a boost of creative inspiration we usually get it from going and exploring Orange County with our friends, watching short films, or going to live shows.  

What other types of work interests you? 
We like to come up with the best way to tell a brands story through a mix of filmmaking and photography, as well as develop growth strategies through social media and by creating comprehensive integrated web designs.

We know another huge influence for you guys is music and local bands - what are you currently listening to?

Funny you should ask...we just put out our first Summer Playlist using Soundcloud. It has it all!

TROLLY TIME! Yoshi & Rebecca's ride along!

It’s that magical time of year - TROLLY TIME! Our creatives and long time residents, Yoshi & Rebecca, plan their ideal trolly ride with all the must-do’s along the trolley route for one of their typical Saturdays in Laguna Beach!

With an adventurous day of traipsing around town ahead, Rebecca heads north from her Wood’s Cove neighborhood and jumps onto the big blue trolley at Diamond Street & PCH. Making a quick pit-stop at Bluebird Canyon, Rebecca pops into Vertigo Home store to check out their latest shipment of wares and to bribe adorable shop dog, Utah, with a treat! Only a few steps away, she walks down to Red Fox to say hello to owner Jeremy… only to find a new top she can’t live without (doesn’t take much).

Jumping back onto the trolley at Mountain Road, Rebecca rides for another block before hopping off again at Anita Street and making a beeline for SOURCED. to meet with office mate and best friend, Yoshi. The two lunch at Active Culture and take in the view over their two staple menu items;  Whole Bowl for Yoshi and LB Rice Bowl for Rebecca (don’t forget the Have’A Chips). Yum.

From there they jump back on the trolly to Cleo Street where they stroll down the back alley to The Deck for some killer live music and crafted cocktails at the bar. Before the day gets away from them, they hop back on the trolly towards downtown and ride until Aster Street where they spy the Laguna Art Museum. Both are equally jazzed to see the current Frank Cuprien plein air exhibition painted nearly a century ago at his Viking Studio in about the same vicinity of where Rebecca’s house sits today. With some culture under their belts, the ladies soak in the summer sun and walk through Heisler park, reminding themselves once again, they need to become members of the Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Club.

Screen Shot 2015-06-09 at 2.28.28 PM.png

At the end of the path is the Diver’s Cove trolly stop, where they are swept back towards the studio. They make their final stop at Thalia Street and end their day with a heavy-poured glass of wine at Zoolu Cafe. Cheers to a great day over the grilled filet mignon and world famous swordfish. What a day!

Our picks for the best FLEAS!

SOURCED. flea picks

What's your favorite flea? It's a tough call but The Roadium has a special place in my heart.

When is it? Open 363 days a year! 15 acres of open air market so wear your walking shoes. Monday - Friday, 6am to 3pm and Saturday & Sunday from 6:30am until 3pm.

Where is it? It's located in Torrance at 2500 W. Redondo Beach Blvd, just 5 miles from Manhattan Beach. Easily accessible from both the 405 and 110 freeways. 

What do you like most about it? Going on the weekdays and getting ramen afterwards.

Insider tip: Because it is open everyday - these are the real vendors with the goods! 

Greatest score: Textiles, vintage clothing, furniture pieces - you name it, they got it!

SOURCED. flea market picks

What's your favorite flea? Treasure Island Flea

When is it? Last weekend of every month

Where is it?  Treasure Island

What do you like most about it? A mix of food trucks, treasures, and live entertainment!

Insider tip: Block out your entire day for this one and be prepared for the breathtaking views of the SF skyline as you browse. 

Greatest score: Vintage California Flag

SOURCED flea market picks

What's your favorite flea? Long Beach Flea (of course! :) I live two minutes away from this gem)

When is it? 3rd Sunday of every month

Where is it? Long Beach Veteran's Stadium

What do you like most about it? It has all the good stuff of the Rose Bowl, none of the crap, and half the price!

Insider tip: Get to know the vendors. If they see you are actually passionate about an item they have, they'll be willing to work with you on the price.

Greatest score: Bridal wear and accessories

Screen Shot 2015-05-28 at 11.27.42 AM.png

What's your favorite flea? Waterlooplein Market

When is it? Everyday except Sunday, from 9am-6pm

Where is it? Amsterdam, Netherlands

What do you like most about it? The variety: from leather handbags for 25 Euros to Vintage 1800's china. A must stop when abroad!

Insider tip: If you don't look like a tourist, they are willing to bargain with you. ;) So don't wear a camera around your neck or be wearing your floral hawaiian shirt.

Greatest score: 1800's Blue and White Floral Holland China serving plates for 5 Euros

SOURCED. flea picks

What's your favorite flea? Palm Springs Vintage Market

When is it? First Sunday of the month (currently closed for the season but starting again in October)

Where is it? Downtown Palm Springs between North Indian Canyon and North Calle Encilia

What do you like most about it? A lot of vintage, retro, and Mid Century! 

Insider tip: Palm Springs has some of the most incredible estate sales - so make a weekend out of it! Hit up some early estate sale on Saturday, then hit the Vintage market on Sunday and spend the rest of the day by the pool with tropical drink in hand!

Greatest score: tons of milk glass, brassware, and my all time favorite - 8mm film camera!

SOURCED. creative brunch recap!

We hosted our third Creative Mixer this month at the studio and completely transformed our historical cottage into an indoor garden party with suspended greenery and special details. The brunch was focused around creative entrepreneurs and we invited the lovely ladies behind Kitchen Table PR to share their insight on the most beneficial ways to approach the press. They shared spoke to the importance of constructing your own public relations and marketing strategies for your growing business and brand - a special afternoon, indeed.

The vision for the brunch was inspired by bringing the outdoor garden party in. We reached out to our dear friend Jack from The Potting Shed in Orange and filled the space with kumquat trees, lemon swirl eugenia, pittosporum silver sheen, cascading ivy, and rosemary plants. Yoshi from Floral Fête dreamed up the stunning suspended greenery with three massive grids of myrtle, italian ruckus, plumosa, springer, boxwood, leather fern, and 200 drop carnations! 

For the tables, each setting was personalized with potted zinc pots with our guests names and local herbs. Our hope was that our guests would use their rosemary, chocolate mint, tarragon, or thyme in their own cooking inspired by the delicious brunch that was about to be laid out in front of them. Welcome notes sat on the plates done up with custom watercolor details and each one was typed out on our typewriter for an timeless feel by Christina Annalisa Designs. Goodie bags were stamped and set the tone with "let's brunch!" - inside guests found garden inspired scented candles from Hayworth & Heart, Chef's Soap from The People's Soap Co., and pink Himalayan salt from Laguna Salt Company. 

Our studio had never looked better or evoked as many gasps! Rebecca Judy had no problems finding the perfect light and had fun with our bathroom detail "FOLLOW THAT DREAM" reminding everyone of their purpose and journey.

The festivities started outdoors in our front patio where guests greeted with champagne topped with their choice of Strawberry Mint or Mango Basil purees. The fizz sound added to the buzz and the ocean breeze. Guests were able to mix and mingle and meet our amazing co-hosts from Lark and Fork in the Road Catering. Lisa and Chef Kyle Powers shared about their passion business of curated pop-up events throughout Orange County.

Once guests took their seats inside - our pop-up kitchen kicked into full effect and Eddie & Jordan from The Neighborhood Journal caught all the behind the scenes action on film. It truly was such an refreshing afternoon of listening, learning, and connecting. The food - let's pause - was truly equal parts innovated as well as comforting. Crostini toast with riclette and prune jam, Lemon Rosemary French Toast with apple thyme, Short rib polenta with egg...Did I mention the bacon jam? I think we all remember the bacon jam!

We look forward to hosting our next Creative Mixer and thank everyone who joined us this time around!

Special Thanks to all our sponsors & contributors!

Venue // SOURCED. Laguna Beach

Event Planning and Styling Direction // Michelle Mercado for SOURCED.

Floral Design // Floral Fête

Catering and Brunch Experience // Lark & Chef Kyle Powers

Photography // Rebecca Judy

Videography // The Neighborhood Journal

Calligraphy, Menu design, place settings, & personal touches // Christina Annalisa Designs

Plant staging // The Potting Shed

Goodies Bag goodies // Hayworth & Heart, The People's Soap Co., Laguna Salt Company

 

Source: www.sourcedcollective.com

TRAVEL // Marrakech with Rebecca Judy

Jemaa El-Fna Square - Marrakech

Jemaa El-Fna Square - Marrakech

WHERE TO GO | Marrakesh, also known as the “Jewel of the South” emanates an endless buzz that can be felt from all corners of the city, day and night. The food. The shopping. The entertainment! Not a moment goes by without stumbling upon an artisan demonstrating his craft or calling after you to make a sale. Take a leisurely mint tea break at a street side café in the medina to give your feet (and mind) a rest from the confusing passages that all look the same to newcomers. If you’re in the market for leather goods or textiles, you’ve found the spot. But watch those wallets... not for the pickpockets, but for the endless array of magnificent wares you just can’t imagine living without. “How ever can I walk to from my living room to kitchen without this Berber carpet underfoot?” you start thinking to yourself. Before long, you’ve rationalized a new set of ceramic bowls, a few carpets, ten leather bags (for gifts of course), a dozen tea glasses, and a new suitcase to get it all back home. This is the spell of Marrakesh. 

Not in the mood for the beguiling souks? Spend a day at a local hammam where you will be scrubbed down until you have the skin of an infant and soak until your fingers get to the level beyond pruney. Perhaps you’re feeling even more adventurous? Check out some trips to the Sahara where you can ride a camel into the sunset donning a cheche (headscarf). The options are endless. Just be sure you have enough time to sample it all!

WHERE TO STAY | Behind an unassuming door near the Bab El Ksour gate you will find the picturesque Riad El Fenn. Although this Riad is not the most budget-conscious, it’s a piece of art in the form of a guesthouse worth experiencing.

WHAT TO WEAR | Be respectful of the local traditions and bring modest frocks for your trip to Marrakesh. You will save yourself from judgmental stares if you try to keep most of your legs and arms covered.

WHAT TO EAT | Well tajins of course! It’s hard to visit this country without experiencing the flavors and spices of this local fare. While not the most vegetarian friendly, tajins are found in all local restaurants and served with the pride of any home cooked meal.

WHERE TO EAT | Head straight for the food stalls at Jemaa El-Fna square to get a true sampling of what Marrakesh has to offer. Here you can get an assortment of cuisine from sausages to fresh-squeezed orange juice. Want something more relaxing? Try a café that overlooks a busy square in the souks. One of my favorites is Nomad (across from Café El Spices). Want a chill dinner spot where you can unwind and listen to beats while you eat, then Terrase des epices is the place.

MUSN’T MISS | The hustle and bustle of the souks, the performers in Jemaa El-Fna square (but you must give them tips if you plan to take photos), and the beauty of the mosques that are sprinkled around the city.

MUST SEE | Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa to soak in the beauty of Moroccan architecture and ornate detail. Take a trip to the Sahara to experience the contrast of the desert or to Essaouira to be seaside. And don’t be afraid to explore all parts of Marrakesh. Hire a guide if you feel uneasy…the city has so much to share!

All photos taken by Rebecca Judy on her last journey through Marrakech in preparation for her new book. 

Meet the Creative // Warren Ellison

Our newest Creative to move in and make is mark is Warren Ellison of Studio Misfits. Warren moved in February of this year and equally impresses us with his talent, accent, and ability to always see the glass half full. He is definitely the type of guy that you're gravitated to and seems to embody that joie de vivre we all are looking for. We took the opportunity to sit down and find out more about what makes this creative tick.

How long have you lived in Laguna?

12 years this Summer! I moved here from Durban South Africa in the Summer of 2003. I'd heard so much about this place but had never visited. At the time, I was playing in a band and wanted to chase dreams, so I thought bugger it, I'm going to sell all of my stuff, kiss everyone goodbye and head to California. Like so many have done before me! It took over 2 years and it wasn't easy, but in my experience making big changes seldom are.

What does your business consist of?

We offer creative design services, and for the larger part of the last 12 years, the bulk of that has been spent servicing the apparel industry. We are able to fulfill most of the design needs of an apparel brand, from designing and developing the actual clothing itself, to building lookbooks, ads, catalogs, branding etc. I started out in the action sports space, and then about 6 or 7 years ago started working with more contemporary brands, people who were selling Nordstroms and Bloomingdales and stores like that. 

Interestingly enough though, over the last couple years, we have been getting more and requests for websites which I just love doing. It's funny because thats actually how I got my start. I had a business back home in South Africa building websites 15 years ago, and when I moved here I transitioned almost immediately into apparel. I love clothing, some of my family is in the apparel business and so many brands are based out of Laguna, Irvine and Costa Mesa that it was a natural progression for me. Now though, I find myself once again drifting in the opposite direction, back to web design!

What current projects are you working on that your most excited about?

I just relaunched my website StudioMisfits which I'm stoked on. I'm always the last guy to get any of my graphic design needs met because I'm so busy making sure everyone else is taken care of so it feels good to cross that one off the list. In fact its the first time in my career I've had a portfolio of my work available for anyone to see! In the past I've always relied on word of mouth, and its kept me busy, but I felt like it was time for me to join the world and show everyone what I've been up to the last couple years.

Other projects I'm excited about - Hmmm a few! I recently developed a bunch of poster artwork for the Ripple Effect films for Red Bull with my friend Peter Hamblin, who is an incredibly talented filmmaker. There may be more of that coming down the pipeline, so I'm interested in seeing how that unfolds! 

I also co-own an Athletic Brand called "Harvest" which makes killer eco-friendly yogawear, and we recently found an Italian fabric which is as soft as you can imagine, and its super functional. The best part about it though is that it's made from recycled fishing nets! So I'm excited to use that for sure. Also, the Summer line is coming out soon so looking forward to seeing how that does. We are in Yogaworks and Corepower and a bunch of other yoga studios so you can find it there, or online at HarvestActive.com

Probably the biggest thing though is my wife and I just had a baby - She's 4 weeks old and she kills us with cuteness every day. Literally, nothing compares to her. So life is interesting, and really really good. I mean how can it not be in paradise right? 

THE CREAM EVENT recap!

A warm welcome with Django Foxtrot
The Cream Event 2015
Found Rentals_The Cream Event
Bloom and Plume + Twofold La
Pow Wow + Moon Canyon & Karson Butler + Stella Bloom Designs at The Cream Event
The Cream Event 2015
JL Designs +Beijos Events + Monvoir Calligraphy at The Cream Event
The Cream Event 2015
The Plant Library + Green Ribbon Parties at The Cream Event
The Cream Event 2015
The Cream Event 2015
The Cream Event 2015
Paula LeDuc at The Cream Event 2015
The Cream Event 2015
Bliss and Bone at The Cream Event 2015
The Cream Event 2015
The Cream Event 2015
Élan Artists at The Cream Event 2015
Élan Artists at The Cream Event 2015

The Masterminds of The Cream Event out did themselves yet again this year! It was a fun excuse to get out of Orange County and mix and mingle with our wedding industry friends and see first hand what creative visionaries they are. We all played by the rules and wore our shades of neutrals and entered the transformed Book Bindery in Culver City ready for a evening of fun. We were greeted by gypsy jazz by Django Foxtrot and popped by one fantasy tablescapes after another. We made our way to the Pharmacie bar and made our first hard decision of the night...which drink to have. They had a four section bar setup each side with a different spirit offering. I think all of us took an extra minute to swoon over all the paper goods over at Bliss and Bone who take luxury wedding stationery to a whole new level. The night was capped off with in true cream fashion with the best live music in the business by Élan Artists and a show stopping performance by La Follies!

SOURCED. wednesdays 0.1

Not going to lie, we kind of nailed it with our first SOURCED. wednesday. The morning started with Sean Woolsey's talk at Connecting Things Co. at Wolf Camp Studios. Have you heard of Connecting Things? We suggest that you get on their mailing list. This monthly event series is joint project between the guys & gals behind Wolf Camp, The Artist Report, Hoodzpah Designs Co, and Krochet Kids just to name a few. 

Connecting Things is a monthly event series in Orange County and Brooklyn where doers and creatives can hang out, drink coffee together, and talk shop. Connecting Things is not a hardball networking group. We don’t expect to change your life through one event. We just hope to stir up your routine and make you pause and think about how and why you do what you do. Likely you’ll leave with a new perspective, a new friend, or at least a new excuse for coming into work late.
— http://connectingthings.co/about/

Cool right? Yeah. we think so too. Sean Woolsey was the speaker this time around (it was also his Birthday!) and he spoke to designing and redesigning your creative life. He shared a little about his upbringing, his creative journey, and the pieces and people that inspire him. You can watch his whole discussion here.  Personal take away and what I resonated most with happens 24 minutes in  "NO PLAN B" - we look forward to diving in deeper with Sean Woolsey and seeing his studio on our next wednesday on April 8th, can't wait to share!

Talk about being high on the kool-aid. I skipped coffee at Connecting Things and met up with Sarah Armstrong of A Name Brand Co. & Batch at Hopper & Burr who has set up their pop up location at Little Sparrow Cafe in Downtown Santa Ana. Sarah and I bonded over paper while I gawked at her killer design and branding pieces for Hopper & Burr. We had a good laugh over our original connection which was the coffee tokens she did for Bear Coast Coffee in San Clemente. I had gone in knowing little about Sarah. I knew she had a co-working space and that she was the lady behind these magical tokens - but that was about all. We instantly hit it off and shared our own stories to each other. I learned about her transition from Reno to moving to Orange County a couple years back - she mentioned one of the biggest draws was the creative energy she would indulge in and also the killer coffee scene. I think I smirked a little after that hearing that last part. She found herself with some lackluster coffee, that was until she stumbled upon the new Portola Coffee Lab at The OC Mix. She told me about being a loyal customer and getting to know everyone before making her move and took it upon herself to print up some proper signage for the guys. Her kind gesture eventually led to more design work and over the years she has been instrumental in their brand identity and packaging. 

Next she took me to Batch, a co-working space tucked away in a historical building overlooking the new 4th Street market. Sarah explains that not unsimilar to us here at SOURCED. - she just had to get out of her house. She started searching for co-working spaces but was coming up short. After sharing her desires with more friends and local business owners, she started the search again but with the intention of getting a small space for herself and another friend looking to bring his marketing business out of the new babies room. Eventually she would be standing in front of the doorway that always caught her eye and behind those doors would be the space where Batch was born. It's been almost two years and with an expansion on the rise, things are looking good! God, we love hearing that. I so enjoyed my time with Sarah and encourage you to check out Batch and the creative environment their are fueling in DTSA.

After some lunch and a quick trip to Roger's Garden, I made my way to Heritage Mercantile to meet up with Jennifer Bloch. Her vision for a "modern day general store" is one to feast your scenes on. The adorable shop located off Santa Ana Avenue and E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa is as pleasing from the outside with its ivy-covered facade and dutch doors. Jennifer not only draws customers in with the esthetics but also the one-of-a-kind finds and gifts. From organic baby swaddles to handcrafted soaps and face serums to letterpress prints and wool kilim pillows - you can always find something you can't live without. I was mainly drawn to Jennifer for her community presence and workshops. She viewed her calligraphy classes, succulent arrangements, and screen printing workshops to be a time for people to connect and be present all while meeting new neighbors and people from different walks of life. It's totally working and we can't wait to collaborate with Jennifer and come together to bring some new classes!

Thank you for checking out this new project we have up our sleeves, we look forward to taking SOURCED. wednesdays to the next level on April 8th with additional of Friction Blue capturing the fun to video!

Michelle Mercado, SOURCED. creative director 

a personal mission..

A little over 2 months ago my Grandmother passed away. She was 91 and we spent every Wednesday together. She lived in what we refer has "The Towers" in Laguna Woods - leisure world at it's finest. For those of you that aren't familiar, allow me to paint the picture...cruise ship living meets high rise condos. Bravo TV would have a winner on their hands here! 

Finish Line at the Tower's "Marathon" &amp; the famous hallway where we exchanged hellos with other residents and socialites. &nbsp;

Finish Line at the Tower's "Marathon" & the famous hallway where we exchanged hellos with other residents and socialites.  

Wednesdays were days I set aside to go to Stater Bros with her to get orange juice, honey buns, hot dogs, and various other bizarre foods. We would have lunch at Polly's Pies and finish the day watching Turner Classic Movies. Without getting way too mushy and emotional, it was the highlight of my week and yet always ended up in tears as I would drive away and knowing that the days were numbered. 

The way she passed was abrupt but ultimately on her terms and in a way she always described in a non-mobrid way - "Hey, wouldn't it be great if I could just go to sleep and not wake up." 

She and my grandfather had been married for 67 years by the time he passed two years ago. She was a mother of five, grandmother of seven, and great grandmother to five. Quick as a whip and twice as fast. Always dressed to the nines. Never wore a pair of jeans in her life. The minute she passed, the eve before my 28th birthday, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace knowing that she was on to the next. Reunited with the love of her life and also could better understand what I was doing with this crazy concept of our collective space and efforts.

My grandparents shortly after they were married. Grandma posing next to the families new car.

Once the fog started to wear off a little, I swear she was behind some of the exciting new projects, calls, and opportunities that started to flood by inbox. It was almost like she was saying "Geezs, why didn't you just say that what you were doing! - Here, let me help you out!" 

I stumbled upon this yearbook picture of her. Ambition: To be really happy. Yeah, me too Grandma.

I stumbled upon this yearbook picture of her. Ambition: To be really happy. Yeah, me too Grandma.

I started to spend my new found "extra day" meeting new people and learning more about what they were all about. The stories and connections being made not only left me completely inspired but also led to more conversations and seeking out even more people. The plan is to continue to connect and invite some of my creative friends to capture the interactions on film. We look forward to sharing these stories here on our blog and through our social media channels. If you or someone you know would be interested in collaborating, sharing your business or passion, and/or  just joining in on the fun - please reach out to us and let's do this wednesday thang!

Michelle Mercado, SOURCED. creative director

SOURCED. Monday Inspirations

I came around Maude White in CREATIV Magazine (through my favorite online FREE magazine subscriptions) and went down a massive internet rabbit hole trying to FIND OUT AS MUCH AS I COULD ABOUT THESE AMAZING PAPER CARVINGS...yes, I said paper carving. 

Who wants go join me at The Ecology Center next month for Kathy Hattori & Kristin Morrison's Natural Dyes Workshop series? I think I have to make these curtains and change out the ikea ones I bought last month! haha

Do you get the the Tablet. newsletter? You should if you like getting distracted by some of the worlds best kept travel destinations and boutique luxury hotel reviews. Just found my next dream spot at The Graham & Co.  in New York. Totally makes sense to go to New York and then drive 2.5 hours to go here right? Yeah, I thought so too. 

My new "not so local but would still totally be ok with paying shipping" Etsy find. 

Laguna locals, did you see Travelzoo's Tabu Grill Dinner special? I still haven't been - is this deal the way to go or what?

Happy Monday! - keeping #sourcinginspiration