The decline of my vision as I've aged is probably one of my least favorite side effects. However I do look good in a great pair of glasses and I was excited to discover that Kate Spade makes a line of stylish readers! I could not resist the tortoise shell Abena frame lined in turquoise. 

I keep glasses in every room of my home, most of which I pick up in the dollar bin at Target. They do the job for reading a thermostat or recipe but for my work I need quality lenses and comfort, since I can log in hours of editing at a stretch. I instantly saw the diffrence when I tried these on, the world was clear and sharp. While the frames fit well, snug but not too tight at the bridge and very light.

Oh and they come with this adorable signature leather case! Sweet!

Thanks to everyone who has bought one of these limited eiditon books. Just 18 left and 100% of the remaining sales will go to the Red Cross for the Oklahoma Relief Fund! 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Over the weekend I had a chance to try out Seoul Korean BBQ, a little hole in the wall with a big reputation located in the busy and popular "village district" of Downtown Burbank. This family run eatery has maintained a relativly low key persona while gaining loyal followers by serving great quality and generous portions at really good prices.

 I discovered them while scoping out the area (via google street view) where a big tournament I was playing in last Saturday was being held. An all day event, I wanted to look for alternatives to the pool halls bar food menu. I spotted this place right across the street and after a quick look on Yelp, I knew I'd struck gold. 

Seoul offers more of simple street style menu with a diverse selection of ten traditional homestyle dishes. Following the suggestion of a Yelp reviewer, I ordered the "Meat" Jun. 

According to this review, it is rare to find the "Meat" Jun on an American menu, a lightly battered & fried meat (bulgogi I believe) served with a tangy dipping sauce. I was not disappointed, the meat stays tender and the batter is very light. The kimchi tasted fresh and was the perfect spicy complement without being overwhelming. With a soda, tax & tip it came to about $13.

If you'er also a fan of the spicy side of Korean cuisine check out Lauryn Chun's: The Kimchi Cookbook.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

In another incarnation I might have been a printer, so strong is my love for type, fonts and the magic they make when a little ink is applied. I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a special lecture hosted by the So Cal chapter of the National Museum of Women in the Art's. Our speaker was Gloria Kondrup, a renowned printer & the director of the Archetype Press program at Art Center College of Design.

  The entire department, with literally tons of equipment was moved to the new South Campus, where it has thrived after nearly being eliminated all together. Gloria along with legions of students were instrumental in helping to save the department when some thought it antiquated and unnecessary in this digital age. In the last few years the art of letterpress has made a huge revival and Art Center's program now shines as one of the few colleges that still offers a full & authentic program.

 Printing requires a unique ability to think differently. Not only do you need to envision negative space but you need to develope the ability to see "upside down & backwards." As this is how a typesetter lays out their work. Check out The Beauty of Letterpress website, it's a  great resource if you're interested in learning more & for finding local printers & classes. 

The Art Center program also offers some extension courses and can arrange workshops & tours. Email them at archetype@artcenter.edu for information.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

With Mother's Day apon us, the wonderful Lesley Evers is giving away one of her signature silk scarves to a lucky Pie reader. Simply comment here with a favorite Mom memory. A winner will be chosen at random and you have till midnight Pacific time, Sunday, May 12th to enter.

If you are in or near Oakland, visit Lesley's new retail shop at 5501 College Avenue or her even newer store opening this Tuesday at 3535A Mount Diablo in Lafayette. Just mention Piewacket at either shop and get 20% off your purchase! Not in the Bay area? No worries, online shoppers can still save 20% through Sunday by using promocode:Momspie at check out.

Comments now closed thanks for all the entered!

hair & make up by Joshua Conover ~ model Kaitlin Madewell for Scout ~ all photos & content © Lara Rossignol 

Since I bought my new kindle last summer I've had a hard time finding a cover I really like. The first one was pretty but the fabric was a cat hair magnet. I then went with a custom cover and though I liked the look, the material was very ridged and uncomfortable to hold. I then tried several inexpensive covers but you really do get what you pay for. I then ordered another with a cute owl motif but it smelled so bad I had to send it back. So finally I deiced to splurge on this Kate Spade cover I'd been lusting over for months.

I am really happy with this one. It is made with a whimsical laminated fabric, it resists both stains and cat hair. 

Light weight but well constructed it holds my kindle securely and the inside cover has a soft suede like feel. It is very comfy to hold and the color makes a pretty background for my kawaii Gelaskin designed by Melody Miller. Now I can finally relax and read.

Spring Reading List 

I love that with my kindle I can read a sample before I buy and here are four books I'm ready to check ou this spring. I am a big fan of Emma Donoghue's and currently reading her lyrical take on fairytales, Kissing the Witch. So when I saw here newest, Astray available I knew I had to check it out. I recently finished Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and loved Jeanette Winterson's style. If I like an author, I will read every title that sounds appealing and The Passion is considered her masterpiece. Blue Asylum is a historical drama with a unique story so yes please. Finally the newest from Joe Hill, son of horror master Stephen King. I read both his previous novels and though flawed, I enjoyed them. Just released this week, I did not hesitate to download a sample for NOS4R2, not reading too much for fear of spoilers.   

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

I spent a lovely lazy weekend on my lovely porch sanctuary, nibbiling edaname. A healthy snack that is pretty easy to find these days. I just rinse the frozen pods in warm water and leave them in a strainer to thaw for about an hour. Spinkle with salt and walla!

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

A few months ago I discovered an amazing little printing company in Denver called Artifact Uprising who specialized in books printed from people's instagram images. They offer a few different sizes but I especially loved the smallest, a little 5.5 x 5.5 book using recycled paper. I thought it might make a great promotional piece so I contacted them. They took a personal interest in my project and were amazing to work with. I chose to do a small printing of just 250 copies.

The process is simple, you create an account and then upload your images, then use their software to layout your book. You can order 1 copy or several. I did a few test runs before I went ahead with the actual printing.

A perfect mailing size, I tested a few different envelopes before I decided on these from Clear Bags. Creatives get so inundated with promotions from photographers, I wanted them to be able to see what it was. Hopefully enough of an enticement that they will want to see more. I also designed the labels with the intent of not covering too much of the cover and a sticker for the back to tie it all in.

I am so pleased with the result I have decided to sell just 35 signed & numbered copies on etsy for $25 including shipping.  I will be giving 10% of these sales to the amazing animal rescue peeps at Rolling Dog Farm. The books contain almost 40 of my favorite images with a mix of portraits, kids & fashion. If you are an industry professional  and would like a copy or don't have an etsy account but would like to purchase one, you can E-mail Me to make arrangements.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Nutella topped jelly donut = OMG.

One of my favorite signs in lovely downtown Montrose.

One of my favorite people, my 10 year old nephew, Dante.

Pulled pork & plantains at the Oinkster.

Dive bar personified, league night at Dusty's in Highland Park.

Love when they spell my name right without me telling them how.

Afternoon light in my kitchen.

A fashion shoot I did at the historic Maxwell House Coffee plant in Hoboken, re-imagined with the kit cam app.

 A napping Mr. Finch

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

I discovered my new favorite local vintage dealer last year after searching the internet. Rave reviews on yelp sent me to check out a groovy little shop called The Sniveling Sibling, whose owner Jeff Thorin has a keen eye for dusty treasures.

Located in Eagle Rock, this tiny shop may be small on space but it packed full and there is free parking in the back.

I have yet to stop in and not come away with some unique find. A great old school desk for my office, several items for my porch and most recently a great industrial stool. His prices are good and they will haggle a bit, if you're nice.

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol

Cliche as it may be, it really dose seem like just yesterday that I took this photograph of Camiell, at age 5. I'd just moved to the South and close to her Mother, one of my best friends for more years than either of us care to admit.

Well, ten + years have flown by and this thoughtful, curious child has become a thoughtful, curious young woman. She is the camera shy sister of Izzy (who graces my banner and many, many Pie posts) and I was happy to be able to spend a few hours with them while they were out here over their spring break. 

all photos & content © Lara Rossignol