In Berkeley, a gentle winter encourages fertile soil all year long.
A lone winter camellia innocently blushes pink, hoping for us to notice her.
Not to be outdone, broccoli rabe from our simple little garden gets the invitation to dinner. Yum!
a Gentle Winter
Setting up the Classic Canon 5D MK II as a Movie Camera
The Canon 5D MK II was released over 7 years ago and is still a BEAST in picture quality and functionality. Today, it can be found on the second hand market at rock bottom prices. We picked one up and started using it for video. To get the best filmic look on the camera, try the following settings, and then do post processing in your favorite editor.
How to set up the Canon 5D MK II for Video
1) Set to Manual Mode
2) Shutter Speed set to 50 (if shooting at 25 fps) The shutter speed should be double your fps – to reduce motion blur or high speed shutter. You might have to use an ND to stop down the light if too bright.
3) Set ISO – the key ISO’s to use are 160, 320, 640, 1250. The lowest numbers are the most noise free, but also require the most light.
4) Set a picture profile settings:
Sharpness – 0
Contrast – 0
Saturation – minus 2
Color Tone – 0
This setting makes it harder to focus and looks flatter, but you get 2 stops of latitude for post processing.
You now have your Canon 5D MK II set up as a movie camera.
Now go shoot your masterpiece!
**Settings courtesy of Philip Bloom.
Quote: Life
Every man dies. Not every man really lives.
—William Wallace
the Find
We’re currently in the middle of a home remodel so I’ve been looking for off-the-cuff items to spruce up our space. Luckily, I’ve found a hidden gem where I could find vintage one-of-a-kind items on the cheap – the local thrift store. So far, I’ve picked up a vintage army cot (for an upcoming DIY project), a leather trunk, and other cool decor items.
On my latest trip I came across this vintage structured tobacco leather bag. It’s over 30 years old, but the full grain leather still looks brand new. I love the boxy silhouette and the classic buckle detailing. I’ll use it as a camera bag when I’m out and about and as a decor piece when it’s not in use. It cost me $25, more than I usually spend at this place, but totally worth it.
Craft Cocktails With a Twist — And One Amazing Tip That Will Change the Way You Garnish Forever
With alfresco entertaining in full swing, it’s time to up the ante with a few delicious signature cocktails. We came across two refreshing recipes during an amazing experience at Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley.
Ian Winget (mixologist, sommelier, and Domaine Chandon alum), personally taught us how to whip up two cocktails that literally took two minutes to make. The first drink was called a Summer Sweet and Savory — Summer savory is actually an herb that resembles rosemary. Made with sweet fruit and and Ian’s famous strawberry rhubarb bitters, this crisp concoction is perfect for brunch outdoors or early evening cocktails.
If you really want to show off your hipster cocktail cred, the Blackberry Crush was made for you. Devised of muddled mint, blackberry, and served in a cool mini mason jar, this drink is sure to impress your friends. The secret to getting all of that great flavor and smell from cocktail herbs? SLAP IT. Yes, it sounded a little strange when Ian told us to slap our herbs (in this case, mint), but once we “slapped” it, the herbal essence was much stronger and flavorful. Here are the recipes below. Thank you Ian and Domaine Chandon for the wonderful evening!
Summer Sweet and Savory Recipe:
Makes one cocktail
3 oz strawberry lemonade
3 dashes of strawberry rhubarb bitters
2 to 3 oz Chandon Blanc de Noirs
Spring of fresh Summer Savory
2 large strawberries, quartered
Pour strawberry lemonade into a shaker. Add the bitters and ice. Shake. Strain into a coupe or other decorative glass. Add the Summer Savory and strawberries. Top with Blanc de Noirs and serve.
Blackberry Crush Recipe:
Makes one cocktail
7 ripe blackberries
5 mint leaves
1/2 oz agave syrup (or simple syrup)
2-3 oz Chandon Brut Classic
1 lemon slice
Put the blackberries, mint, and agave syrup in the bottom of a rocks glass. Muddle until crushed (be careful not to overdo it!) Add the Brut Classic and then stir. Garnish with lemon slice and serve.
Get the Look:
Pharrell Red Shawl Cardigan
“Style says who you are without saying a word.”
Everything Pharrell Williams does, he does with his own unique flair. In NYC we ran into him at the Samsung Galaxy and Lupe Fiasco event, and he was rocking the freshest red shawl cardigan sweater.
Anyone able to positively identify this sweater?
SF Designer Derek Lam
We always support designer Derek Lam, the San Francisco native, not just because he’s “folks,” but because he transforms classic American designs into unique statement pieces. We ESPECIALLY support him when those pieces are on sale. Spring into action, and check these crazy sales.
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Good Morning Wednesday
A grumpy tree on the hill asks the Sun to hit the snooze button.
Quote: Two Days
The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.
—Mark Twain
After the Rain
One of our greatest revolutionary acts is to grow our own food.
It’s been a very dry winter here in California. The past few days rain has blessed us with joyful tears. Our urban garden has happily responded.
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