Greetings from Guadalajara - No.1

We started our first day of our Aesthetyx Experience with an excursion to the talleres (workshops) of Tonala, an area outside of Guadalajara famous for all of its' workshops and factories that hand-craft everything from pottery to iron, hand-blown glass, furniture, and more! Our first stop was to see the Salazar family who has been creating beautiful hand-blown glass for the past 30 years and primarily using recycled glass to do so. Everyone was amazed at the process of how they take molten glass and shape it into everything from glasses to large esferas (spheres) while working in extremely hot temperatures. After viewing the process for themselves our group had a much higher appreciation for the products that they purchased in their store next door.

Our second stop was to visit the famous Ortega Family who are renowned for their 100% hand-crafted 'betus' technique using simple 'barro' (clay) to create the most colorful, whimsical, surreal art of imagination. This technique has been passed to 5 generations of the Ortega family, 2 of which currently run the operation - the older 'hermano' (brother) Gerardo is the 'Gerente General' and then the other brothers Oscar and Eleutario oversee production and painting. The sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces who range in age of 16-30 work in production, design, and painting. It is truly a family operation. Their home in Santa Cruz de las Huertas is one in same their taller. We were immediately greeted by a small 'perro' (dog) and then once we walked through the casa were greeted by another dog and a very boisterous 'pato' (duck) who really wanted some attention! Everyone marvelled in the process which they showed us started from the fine clay powder which they mix with water to create the clay which ends up a very dark brown color, then they mold all of the individual pieces needed to create a design and then piece them together, then the design is left to dry in the sun for 2 days, then they paint the designs and finally fire them in the kiln. We were fortunate to view the sons and nephews all sitting at a table painting everything from 'gallos' (roosters) to 'sirenas' (chickens), everyone left with a piece of Ortega to take back home.

Our last stop was to visit the Jimon Family whose work is featured in the book 'Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art'. This family has passed down the art form of 'brunido' (burnished) pottery down 5 generations and we were so fortunate to meet 3 of them on our visit. Agustin Jimon's grandparents started the family tradition and Agustin who is most likely in his 80's now has passed this tradition to his sons Florentino and Zacarias who now primarily make most of the pottery, Agustin still molds the clay into forms. The Jimons work with natural clay which they mold into everything from plates to gourd shapes to bells, ornaments, large pots, and much more. Their gorgeous hand-painted designs are done in beautiful neutral colors which feature everything from birds, fish, suns, and small snapshots of local life. We have carried their charming Christmas ornaments and bells in our store and will continue to do so this holiday season.

After a great morning of meeting amazing artisans we were very hungry and headed to lunch at our favorite restaurant in Tonala 'El Arandense' who specialize in 'mariscos' (seafood) and our favorite thing being their 'coctel camaron' (shrimp cocktail) which is very different than the shrimp cocktail we are used to in the states - it is muy delicioso! After satisfying our hunger we strolled through the shops in Tonala and then headed back to our B&B for a margarita and to get ready for dinner.

After cocktails at the bar we strolled 2 blocks to town for dinner at one of our favorite spots - Fonda Adobe, a restaurant with a menu not to dissappoint including Tuna Tacos Al Pastor to great Filets to a delicious Cinnamon Mole Chicken. Fonda Adobe is also attached to Adobe Diseno, one of the most innovative and dynamic stores in Tlaquepaque owned by creative visionary Martha Figueroa and David Luna.

Aesthetyx Experience No. 1

As some of you may have heard we are inviting you to join us this year for our our 'Aesthetyx Experience' trips. We will host our inaugural trip to Guadalajara February 17th - 22nd, 2008. If you are interested please e-mail us at judy@aesthetyx.com and we will be happy to forward you a copy of the itinerary. For those of you who cannot make it this February we are planning on 2 additional trips to Guadalajara and its' surrounding areas in June and November, both will be in conjunction with Art Shows that are scheduled. The June trip will be centered around 'Premio Ceramica' which is a national competition amongst potters from all over Mexico. The November trip will be centered around the 'Maestros del Arte' show featuring some of the 'Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art' from all over Mexico. Please contact us if you would like to be added to our interest list.

Upcoming January Events

We wish all of you a very Happy New Year and all the best for a great 2008! Here are some events we currently have planned so mark them on your calendar and please join us!

*What: Celebrate 'Dia de Los Tres Reyes Magos' (Three Wise Men) Happy Hour Toy Drive Event, sponsored by Los Abuelos Tequila
Where: Alfonso’s of La Jolla
When: Monday- January 7th from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Please bring an Unwrapped Toy
to Benefit the Emmanuel Orphanage in Tijuana

What: Cuban Nights
Where: Le Papagayo
When: Thursday -January 10th from 7-9pm
Enjoy Latin Cuban Guitar Band 'Lluna Lena' and select from an authentic Cuban menu.

What: Our FIRST 'AS IS' PARKING LOT SALE!!!
This is an incredible opportunity to pick up some great DEALS on merchandise that might be slightly scratched, dented, or slightly chipped but not very noticeable. For those of you who are handy or creative this is a great chance to pick up unique items that you can fix yourself or use to make something creative of your own!
When: Saturday - January 12th starting at 9am until the store closes at 6pm


What: Hillcrest Farmer's Market & Open Aire Bazaar
Where: Normal Street between Lincoln & University, Hillcrest
When: Sunday - January 27th from 9am-1pm
Enjoy the best farmer's market and Open-Aire Bazaar in San Diego
Everything from amazing organic produce, to delicious food, beautiful flowers, worldly treasures, and more!

Christmas Thoughts

Today as we celebrate this special day that Christ was born I am reminded that today is actually a birthday party of sorts. With all of the hectic business of trying to get everything done for Christmas and all of the commercialism of the holiday it was probably the first year that I didn't really feel the spirit of Christmas until today. I was enlightened this morning that we should have gifts to offer for this birthday party, especially to those less fortunate than ourselves. So, today in the true spirit of Christmas I give the gift of gratitute for the rich life I am blessed with. I also give the gift of peace to all of you and your families this special time of the year. Merry Christmas and may we all take time to remember the true meaning of this special day.

2 More Days to shop for Christmas!

We will be open extended hours this Sunday, December 23rd from 10am-5pm and Monday, December 24th from 9am-4pm for all of you who have not yet finished or started your Holiday Shopping.

*FREE Gift Wrapping Available
*Lots of great stocking stuffers for $10 and under
*Lots of great gifts for $20 and under

Holiday Events starting this Thursday, December 20th

Thursday, December 20th - Don't miss our 1st Annual Men's Shopping Night from 6-9pm
This is perfect opportunity for all of you MEN who have not started your Holiday shopping! Get ALL of your shopping done in ONE night and enjoy holiday refreshments and snacks while checking off your list. You don't even need to worry about wrapping any of your purchases as we will wrap ALL of them for you FREE of charged. We can even ship your packages too!

Saturday, December 22nd - Join us for an encore trunk show of local artisan Jean Ryan's work 'Madonna Arts' from 10a-2pm. This gorgeous collection of Madonnas are all hand-crafted by Jean herself. Please come join us to see this one of a kind collection.

Don't Miss Sweet 15 Quinceanera @ The San Diego Repertory Theater!

Last year Charles took me to this funny, light-hearted play at The San Diego Rep written by local playwright and Latino actor Rick Najera. Charles and I enjoyed it so much that we wanted to let all of you know about it as it is only running through this weekend, the last show is on December 16th! Visit www.sandiegorep.com or call for tickets (619) 544-1000.

Holiday Events starting this Thursday, December 13th

Thursday, December 13th - LATE NIGHT Shopping Event
We will be open this Thursday and every Thursday night during the holidays until 9pm so that you can stop by after work and shop at your convenience while enjoying a warm beverage and some tasty treats.

Saturday, December 15th - MANO Imports Trunk Show
Shop this ONE DAY ONLY from this amazing selection of beautiful textiles and 'Santos' hand-crafted in Guatemala. We will have Cafecito's famous 'Chocolate Mexicano' and Mexican Wedding Cookies on hand to enjoy while shopping.

Our 2nd Annual Holiday Open House TONIGHT - December 6th

Please come by tonight between 6-9pm for some festive Holiday Cheer, refreshments, music and fun-filled shopping! We will host our 2nd Holiday Open House tonight at our store and throughout our Gold Coast Center, the other stores in the center will also be open until 9pm. We will also host a very special trunk show of MADONNA ARTS by local artisan Jean York. You can view Jean's work on her website www.madonnaarts.com. Also, if you would like to help local families in need this holiday please bring a non-perishable food item to donate for the Encinitas Community Resource Center's 25th Annual Holiday Baskets Drive. We will also have a special gift with purchases of $10 or more of a charming hand-painted Christmas tree ornament from Oaxaca. See you tonight!

Our last appearance at The Hillcrest Farmer's Market for 2007

Don't miss us this Sunday, December 2nd at the famous Hillcrest Farmer's Market. We will only be there once for the entire month of December so if this is where you usually visit us please make sure to stop by. We have lots of new arrivals from our last trip to Central Mexico: hand-crafted and hand-painted tin mirrors and wall accessories from San Miguel de Allende, lots of amazing milagros art pieces from Morelia, our ever-popular floral belt buckles set in resin from Mexico City, fabulous Mexican iconic 'kitsch' jewelry and fashion accessories, and more! Come get a head start on your holiday shopping. All registered customers receive a special offer - $5.00 OFF your purchase of $50.00 or more and $10.00 OFF your purchase of $100.00 or more. See you Sunday!

Seeing Red! (tags that is)

For those of you who were not able to make it to our Holiday Sale this past weekend there are still lots of RED tags left on SALE merchandise which is anywhere from 30-90% off their original prices. Come in soon before they're all gone as this is a great way to start your holiday shopping - with an incredibly unique gift that you actually saved $$$ on! Everything from selected pottery to jewelry to milagros pieces and much, much, more!!!

Upcoming Events

Don't miss these:
*17th Annual Encinitas Poinsettia Festival - Sunday, November 18th 9a-4p on Coast Highway 101 in Downtown Encinitas
* Our 2nd Annual HOLIDAY SALE - Friday, November 23rd - Sunday, November 25th
Select merchandise marked down 30-90% OFF original price!
*South Park Walkabout - Saturday, December 1st 6-10pm
Stroll through this great neighborhood event that promotes local merchants. Visit our 'satellite location' at The Grove on 30th & Juniper.
*Hillcrest Farmer's Market - Sunday, December 2nd 9a-1p
San Diego's best Farmer's Market and Open Aire Bazaar. Lincoln & Normal Streets (park in DMV parking lot).
*Annual HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE - Thursday, December 6th from 6-9pm. Enjoy holiday festivities and food while shopping. Special additional discount for registered customers for this ONE night only.
*LEUCADIA NIGHTS & LIGHT UP LEUCADIA- Friday, December 7th from 6-9pm. Stroll down North Coast Highway 101 and visit local merchants while enjoying 'Light Up Leucadia'.
*LADIES WHO LAUNCH INCUBATOR SERIES - Wed, Nov 28th - Tues, Dec 18th (3 Wednesdays and 1 Tuesday). This is an AMAZING women's networking group that we will be hosting an incubator for during this time. Visit www.ladieswholaunch.com/incubator-workshops.cfm/IncID/57 for details.

Always something new in San Miguel!

When we started traveling to San Miguel in 2002 I had never been to Central Mexico before. Now, 5 years later and who only know how many trips I am always searching for something I have not yet seen to discover and do! This trip I was on my own for a lot of the time while Charles was working so I had a lot of 'excursion' time to hunt and search for new resources as well as new inspiration. There are always new stores, restaurants, and galleries popping up in San Miguel every 6 months we visit there. This trip I was sad to see one of our favorite restaurants (Azafran) no longer there and replaced with a new trendy spot. I spent additional time in the 'Mercado de Artesanias' this trip where I discovered a source for something special I have been hunting for - this truly is my joy - the hunt and aquisition of new artisans creating something beautiful for us to bring back to our customers.

An afternoon with master tinsmith 'Chilo'

Spending time with 'Chilo' (Cecilio) is always an adventure for me while in San Miguel. Chilo does not speak very much English and I speak 'un poco' of Espanol (I end up using added hand gestures and facial expressions to get my point across). Jose who works in Chilo's tallere speaks some English and attempts to be a translator but it doesn't always translate exactly. Regardless, I always am amazed at his talleres' craftmanship and creativity. Sergio took me to the tienda's upstairs tallere where Jose and some of the other artisans were hand-painting the beautiful tin we do so well with at our store. It is always fasciniating to see how much additional work is put into the finished product. Usually several layers of paint are used to achieve their gorgoeus aged looks in their 'El Nido' mirrors and to see them apply by hand gold and silver leaf is incredible. I brought back several new hearts and crosses from the tallere for our customers and ordered more of the beautiful 'El Nido' mirrors that consistently charm us. We hope when we take our first 'Aesthetyx Experience' tour to San Miguel (slated for August 2008) to spend a day in both of Chilo's talleres so our customers can see and appreciate all of the hand-crafted work that goes into every one of a kind piece.