markbell's blog

Under the guise of a good promotional idea, we decorated the dog, shined up the old truck, and tossed the kids in back with a bunch of squirt guns to blast away down the streets of Orinda. Sure, it was a little hot, but the crowd loved being sprayed with cold water probably more than the candy we were tossing out the windows, and I haven't seen my kids smile so much since Christmas morning.
Definitely a great time had by all, especially by our house guests visiting from Vancouver, BC who we made ride along with us. They may think we're a little crazy, but they had fun.

Just came from Cucina di Cannelora's new space designed by Lisa Cannelora~ wow!
She had an amazing vision to transform an old house in to a funky, inviting & beautiful live/work space.
{of course sprinkled with a few lights from Omega Too. But the style is all Lisa.}
Her unique thinking, and past experience as a chef make her an amazing kitchen designer.

If you find yourself in Alameda any time soon, swing by and view their beautiful & unique space:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/cucina-di-cannelora-alameda

We do a fair amount of sketching here at Omega Too. Mostly to keep our thoughts in order, but also to share with clients what the heck we're thinking. Sure, sometimes it leads to doodling pictures of our dog driving the shop truck, or chandeliers made from taxidermied octopus arms. But it also helps keep track of ideas and creative thoughts for a later date. Quite often we scan them and send them off to designers to help them through their meetings. So if you need help visualizing an idea for a light, we're here to help....

Jeanne Ruiz of Ruiz Antique Lighting has served Alameda and the greater Bay Area since 1983, offering many of the same unique turn of the century lights that we covet here at Omega Too. From repairs to restorations, they did it all. But Jeanne has decided to spend more time with her kids and retire. She graciously has referred her regular lighting customers over to Omega Too in Berkeley ... not to mention much of her stock has found its way through our doors.

Thanks Jeanne. Enjoy your time with your family.

For years there were no meters down San Pablo Avenue, but we had a 24 minute parking zone in front of Omega Too. (Mostly because of all the car repair places in the neighborhood.) Now we have 2 hour parking meters. Great that it's for enough time to actually browse, and not feel rushed when choosing lights for your house. But lame that it's 25 cents for every ten minutes. OUCH. Can't believe the city can ask for that much.
So to help folks out, we have free quarters for parking while you're shopping with us.

I know cities are short on income with the dump in home values, but come on....

Next time you're strolling down 4th Street in Berkeley, stick your head in to Keter Salon. One because they'll make your hair look great, but two, because we just sold them some wickedly cool lights, and we want you to see them in all their glory.
With the help of their designer Johnelle of Mignonne Decor, folks now leaning back to get their hair rinsed will have something interesting to look up at and enjoy.

Thanks for keeping us in business Diana & Johnelle. Hope to see you soon.

This is actually one of Vanessa's consultation jobs from a while back (That I'm just now getting around to post.) An amazing old west corner stone. Built just at the turn of the century for a reprieve from the wild west. It was recently brought back to life by Peter La haye, and is now a great place to bring the family and chow down on some crazy good eats. I get hungry just typing about it....

Click here to see it.