Art After Dark

We are delighted to showcase the art work (pen & ink, mixed media, and water color) of Natellie Saia on August 5th for Art After Dark! If you haven't had the pleasure of viewing her work, this is your opportunity. Come to Ruby Rose on Friday from 6-9PM for a good time (and to be inspired)! See you then.

(A few of Natellie's pieces from previous shows)

Who Knew?!

Sometimes we are just like our parents, and sometimes...we are opposite. This week, my girl is proving an opposite and teaching me so much along the way. I mentioned earlier in the season that Ruby had chosen to raise a pig for the Mid State Fair. She and her dad took the challenge on and with help and advice from her friends, they raised a winner! Ruby shared a pen all season with her bestie Riley, they grew up together and so did their pigs, Bill and Fill (full name Fill-Up). The pigs sure clean up well!

At first we thought we saw a really bad hair-do (bottom right image), but then later while we were cruising, we realized it was a crazy hat (top right)! We still have a few days left at the fair and will come home with a lifetime of memories!

Is This Normal?

image via

OK, so I shared with you that my mind has been on vacation. I thought I'd share a little 'funny' with you to see what I am dealing with upstairs in this brain of mine.

I went to my favorite cafe, Sally Loo's, to meet two of my favorite people for a little breakfast slash event planning. After we were done, two hours later, I was walking to my car talking to John on the phone and I couldn't find my keys.

I looked in the car and...yep, there they were! John says "call AAA, that's why we pay the big bucks". After groaning a bit, I decided to check the door...and yep, it was open. And then, I noticed something..."John, gotta go, call you back later".

I couldn't believe it! The motor was still running! Yep, I parked it and apparently just walked away. Almost ran out gas!

Ha! Now you know what I'm dealing with. "This too shall pass", I keep reminding myself. I must say, I can now understand how people leave their kids in the car. Just sayin'...

Hello

image via

this is a picture of:
a. a passing cloud
b. the color of my bathroom walls
c. my brain lately (a bit 'out of it'!)

There has been a lot going on...so many amazing items in the store, a load of summer activities, upcoming events, etc. It has been a challenge for this blogger to get them on to the computer for you. Stay with me though, I feel the tides a changin'!

What do you do when this happens to you? -S.

The Ruby Review: Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris- 5 Stars

I very rarely rate a film with 5 stars, but this definitely deserves it. Good job, Woody Allen. Lets start with the actors. All amazing; handsome Owen Wilson and Adrian Brody, beautiful ladies Rachel McAdams and Marion Cotillard, and the über-talented Kathy Bates. This film has classic romance, always fascinating time-travel, and amazing recreations of some of the most famous and inspiring artists and writers of all time. This is a perfect movie for anyone who feels like they have been born in the wrong time, dreams about a romance in Paris, or appreciates art and literature. And like a good movie should be, it’s easy to follow and leaves you speechless. Get yourselves to a theater and enjoy a simply enchanting 88 minutes.

The Weekly Six (and then some)

This last weekend we had the store covered so a few of us hit the road. We were in a small car with a limited amount of cash and we wanted to make our trip a stretch. We stopped at a few yard sales, then a few estate sales, a gift shop at the San Miguel Mission (hot tip we got)--it was tiny yet charming! By this time we were already skipping with excitement (that is the rule), and we thought that we better hit the road and get some miles in so we didnt wake up an hour from home.

As we got to the San Jose area we hit up some of our personal faves: Ralph, Betsey, Pinkberry, and Free People! With a dose of inspiration, we then headed to Ikea for a few accessories.

To save money, we were able to crash at our friend Stacy's mom's house. We were only 8 minutes away from Alameda Flea!! What a hoot! We loved everything we bought and it was all smalls.

A homemade vinatage redwood memory, super cute concrete mushrooms, porcelin dogs, a lil' espresso set, travel goods, and a flowy summer dress...perfection.

We have been coveting the rugs above for a while. They are pre-war gypsy rugs from the Balkan Islands. The colors are so vibrant and the workmanship is amazing! These rugs cost a bit more than we usually spend, but if anything warrented a leap of faith, these rugs certainly did! We have one in red with large flowers that is finished out with fringe, it is priced at $575. The second one is a beautiful off white and taupe and is highlighted with a chartreuse garland and deep ruby flowers, it is priced at $495. Compared to what is on the market in a lot of reproduction stores, these originals are a no-brainer.

Last but not least is this multi-colored handmade blanket/bed cover. After scoping out the new Free People store, we are not afraid of color! Very 70's and very rare! I bet alot of you either had one or had a grandma that tried to hand one off to you.

This road trip was very inspiring and one for the record books--great company, great finds, and we met a lot of great people too!

Ruby Rose Loves: HumanKind Fair Trade

It's been a while since we've showcased some of our favorite neighbors around this lovely town. We're back at it again!

Today we'd like to share with you a store that's doing some good in this world. HumanKind Fair Trade...have you been?

HumanKind Fair Trade is a non-profit store that provides vital fair income to artisans and farmers in the developing world by selling their products and telling their stories.

Each item has a story of hope. HumanKind helps people all over the world to live a better life by supporting their craft and livelihood.

(Images by Jennifer Young of I ART U)

Profits from the store will be directed back into the San Luis Community toward women and children services. Feel good about your purchases by shopping at HumanKind and supporting people globally as well as locally! For more information about Fair Trade, click here.

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HumanKind Fair Trade

9822 Monterey Street (next to Boo Boo Records)

San Luis Obispo, CA 93041

(805) 594-1220

Monday-Saturday 10-6

Glamping Part II

Camping? Glamping? Call it what you want, just do it!

We have been camping for years and love it for so many reasons. Keep reading to see why...

1. It is the only time that relaxation becomes a priority. Reading is at the top of the list.

2. The meals are amazing. We have the best camp cooks!

3. To see the kids do anything but watching videos, texting, computering is amazing!

4. There are so many ways to make memories.

5. And last but definitely not least, the sunsets.

Weekly Six Glamping Style

There is camping, and then there is Glamping! Style can show through anywhere!

Dresses, denim, tanks, slips, embroidery, plaid shirts, suede, tees and boots...we have your back!

Oils, landscapes, platters, linens, flags.

Beautiful girls and and a beautiful summer. All is well.