Design Cupcake

Me, Dee-Constructed.

2011-03-23T23:44:00.000-07:00

What a year it has been.

I can't quite describe what exactly happened,

what prompted me to become somewhat

disillusioned

with my life:

my work,

my relationships,

my SELF.

After a break-up,

a change of heart in my career,

and a serious heart-to-heart

with God,

I discovered that I didn't want what I wanted anymore.

I simply wanted

what my life wanted

from me.

SO:

I committed

to discover

a new version

of my life.

The terms of this commitment

were really just that:

I would only do what I LOVED everyday.

I would only date someone who inspired me to be more,

well,

ME.

and I would only follow my heart.

All the time,

on purpose.

I felt free.

I felt connected, secure,

deep within my soul

that I was really

for the first time

MINE.

For about a month.

And then everything really changed.

The man of my dreams walked into my life.

6 weeks later, we became engaged.

2 weeks after that,

I quit my jobs,

and went to Australia to

meet his parents.

It was like the commitment I made,

to only follow my heart,

and surround it with joy and love,

came true.

There is this amazing old quote that says something like

'When we commit, Providence moves too.'

*It Did.

After a summer of laying in the hammock,

reading books,

taking road trips to Palm Springs and the Giant Forrest,

playing at the beach,

taking long walks,

and EATING,

I got to know not only my new love,

but even more deeply

MYSELF.

Come Autumn,

I tried to go 'back to work'.

A Halloween party in wine country

and

creative directing a catalog shoot

was the perfect chance to get back on my game.

But it turns out,

I just didn't have it.

That same old passion, that same old NEED

to do what I DO.

And so,

I decided to stop.

To not try to force myself BACK

to what I had done before,

to be who I WAS before.

I just let myself BE.

ME.

Now.

And the new me wanted more.

To be of service to the planet in some way.

To affect people in a deeper way.

To make a difference.

Now, I know we all have the desire to

make the world a better place,

but WHO really has the time?

Well, now, ME, it turns out.

I was given the opportunity to

participate in a project that truly inspired me,

to art-direct the cover for a new

Deepak Chopra

meditation album.

And so I did it.

I'd never done anything exactly like it before,

but since it was so obvious that I was no longer

exactly WHO I thought I was,

what better opportunity to

try something NEW.

To bring to life a new view,

a new representation

of an iconic man

in the name of service.

*What do you think?

After the cover shoot in NYC,

walking through Times Square,

on a cold December Sunday morning,

with the Dr. himself,

I realized I was officially no longer

disillusioned.

I was home.

In my life.

And although this past year

at times has felt

like an illusion,

like in so many ways

it is too good to be true,

It IS.

It's actually even better.

And ya know what?

the new ME,

with the

New man,

New job,

New life,

is what I've always wanted.

I just couldn't have come up with it on my own.

My life,

just simply,

had to show me the way.

And if that isn't too good to be true,

I don't know what is.

Shake that Booty, Sister.

2010-03-03T23:29:00.001-08:00

So its been another crazy week.

I've had a ton of creative business meetings
to prepare for,
am working on getting a client's house ready
to put on the market,

and have even helped old friends
take care of their kids after
their nanny broke her leg.

Another round of my favorite kind of chaos.

So it goes without saying that my date-night Sunday,
which started with a pizza and some arugula at
Bottega Louie,
and ended with an entirely uncharacteristic,
life-altering experience,
was much needed.

My boy and I were given tickets to see
Angelique Kidjo,

*gorgeous

an AMAZINGLY talented, Grammy-winning
singer from Benin West Africa,
FRONT ROW at my
favorite venue ever,
the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

* Thank you Frank Gehry

She is just lovely,
has the most incredible voice,
(I was most moved by her song 'Petit Fleur')
and her stage-presence is delightful.

This was all well and good,
her beautiful voice,
the amazing architecture,
my man by my side...

When suddenly she invited anyone who wanted to
to come on stage and dance with her.

*this is the stage. note front row.

Then,
A HUGE Nigerian man with
a very large African drum
(forgive me, I don't know the specifics, but WOW)
came to the front of the stage and started playing.

One by one, the people who had collected there
were invited by Angelique to dance.

Alone.

With the man and his drum.

In front of the entire hall.

Again, all well and good.

Until she spotted ME.

In the front row.

Sitting.

The next thing I know, a HUGE spotlight is shining on me,
and I am being beckoned
to CLIMB ON STAGE
(in my 4" Rochas heels no less)
to dance to this man and his drum.

I took one look at my guy,
who gave me a daring smile,
and decided to go for it.

I took off the scarf I was wearing,
climbed on stage,
and danced to that African drum.

Like a white girl, no doubt,
sure with SOME rhythm,
but a white girl just the same.

And ya know what?

It changed me somehow.

Being on that stage,
letting go to the music,
in front of all of those people,
in my favorite musical venue in the world,
somehow
gave me the permission to just
BE ME.

So thank you,
Miss Angelique Kidjo,
for not only reminding me of who I am,
and what I am capable of,
but for allowing me to present that to the world.

4" heels and all.

xx

Bronze with Envy.

2010-02-23T21:49:00.000-08:00

Ok.

I have been obsessed with The Sartorialist for some time now.

But now, he's just sent me over the edge.

Um.

Can we just talk about the style of this amazing
Brazilian woman?
(Joana)

It should be noted
that ever since I was a tiny little girl,
I have always wanted
long dark hair,
tan skin,
and deep dark eyes
(essentially, my polar opposite)
and now, here she is.

With AMAZING style.

Chic, casual, comfortable.

My style bible.

Love.

Spring, come soon.
I have some catching up to do.

xx

Happy New Year.

2010-02-23T21:03:00.001-08:00

The Holiday Season
flew by in a flash,
and I cant quite believe its nearly March.

These cold rainy winter months have been
nothing short of lovely.

I've
walked in the rain,
hiked to the top of Griffith Park to see the rainbows,
seen every Oscar-nominated movie at the Arclight,
waltzed through museums,
poured over hundreds of shelter magazines,
stayed up late playing Scrabble in bed,
baked many a pizza from scratch,
and fallen in love,
in the recent hibernating months.

I am looking forward to the spring,
to the possibilities it brings,
and if the last 3 months are any indication of how 2010 is
bound to turn out?

Lucky me.

(my favorite piece from the French Landscapes at the Getty)

The Banks of the Marne at Dawn by Albert Dubois-Pillet...

Remarquable.

xx

The Legend of Sleepy... ME.

2009-10-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

I couldn't decide which fete to attend tonight,
and to be really honest,
I wasn't sure what I felt like dressing up as...

(I was thinking of going as a Mad Men era glamourpuss-
my grandmother was a style MAVEN
and has given me the majority of her remarkable dresses)

Upon checking in with myself and realizing that
1) I am tired
and
2) feel too old for the Los Angeles crazy Halloween Party madness
I decided last minute to just stay in,
make some chili,
and knit,

with the dogs and some Halloween movies.

Now I'm not really one to handle scary horror flicks-
(especially alone on a chilly Halloween night.)

So tonight's viewings were

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

and Sleepy Hollow.

These films make me happy in SO many ways.

The fabulous party...
Linus sitting in the patch, waiting patiently...
I remember watching the special on TV as a kid,
with my mom, all curled up with some popcorn.

I've always thought Charles Schultz was such a brilliant man,
and since he lived, wrote, and cartooned in
one of my FAVORITE places on earth,
Sonoma County,
I cant help but love him.

*It is said the scenery for the infamous Pumpkin Patch
is meant to be in Sonoma

Then on to Sleepy Hollow,
a film I find to be one of the MOST
remarkably art directed/production designed
(not to mention costume designed-
HELLO Colleen Atwood= GENIUS)
films ever made.

*Can you PLEASE look at how GOOD the
deer heads are? GASP.

I love the sets, the cinematography,
even the old world New England accents
(not to MENTION Johnny Depp's every feature)

*He's kinda handsome

It makes me want to pack my bags
and move to New York State,
buy a farm, raise chickens and cows,
and make cheese.

Course, I guess moving alone, with the dogs,
to a place like Sleepy Hollow would
scare me even more than the madness of Los Angeles.

*And I cant imagine the men are anywhere near as delicious as Ichabod Crane...

At the VERY least there are no Headless Horsemen here.
Not that I've seen recently at least.

Guess I'll stay put.

xx

Home again, Home again...

2009-10-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

It's good to be back.

I needed a little time to reflect,
take a couple of mini-breaks,
and regroup.

After a long, hard summer,
it was time to turn within,
and get back to nature.

A trip home, to the cottage on Lake Michigan,
was just what the Doctor ordered.

I also made a stop at Sequoia National Forest,
and said 'hello' to General Sherman,
a 2200 year old, 275 ft tall, 36.5 ft round
tree.

*thats him.

He was lovely.

There was of course some work sprinkled in there...

I planned a cocktail party for Claire
using my favorite caterer:
Love Catering.

Jonathon is a DOLL
and they are nothing short of tremendous to work with.

I recommend the mini Niman Ranch burgers,
and the pizzas...

The Lavender Lemonade cocktail was a hit,

and their famous bittersweet chocolate brownies
were just YUM.

I also assisted my friend Katie Fine
with a charity design project for the Skid Row Housing Trust;
we designed an apartment as part of a
design showcase fundraiser
in a record 2 day install.

*It turned out so beautifully, I'd want to live there...

What a blast, but PHEW was I wiped!
Katie, were there cameras, or did it just FEEL like we were
on a reality show? ;)

A few dinner parties,
a couple of great movies,
and one delicious date,
(he took me to buy a watermelon),

have brought me back,
revitalized and ready to focus
once again on my true passion.

Sharing the world of design,
and all the things I find remarkable,
with you.

xx

Summertime... and the livin' is LAZY...

2009-09-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

I got this from a friend today...

*Muffin-Man

Look how healthy and happy he was,
sweet little bear.

Things are good.

I have been working quite a bit on random projects,
but am mainly focused on
enjoying some last-days-of-summer fun.

A trip to Disneyland,

*yes, those are PINK ears with a crown...
I had my name embroidered on them and everything

A BBQ or two,

*at a lovely soirée in Laurel Canyon for Labor Day

and the last peaches at the Farmer's Market.

The dogs and I have been going for walks every night,
it's really the only time I can bear the heat.

I have been reading a ton too,
and have so many snippets of magazines
ripped out to share with you...

But I just cant seem to muster the energy to scan them,
and then talk in detail about
the essence of color therapy.

Don't get me wrong,
I love my work.
Love my career, my passions,
all of it.

But its been a long doggy-day summer,
and I'm a tired girl.

I'm gonna soak up these last days of heat,
these last days of being able to laze through,
and will get into the more interesting stuff again soon.

The Interior Designer,
Florist,
Writer,
Event Planner,
TV Host,
Traveller,
will be back.

Soon.

For now, she's calling it in,
from the patio.

Stay tuned.

xx

Take me home to the ball-game...

2009-08-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Summer.

I cant believe it's almost over.

At least the calendar is gentle this year, and Labor Day comes
a little later than normal.

I have had a great summer,
really I have.

Despite the challenges, it has been lovely
to take the time to slow down
and do the things I did as a kid.

And in typical child-like fashion,
I am finding myself making a mad-dash to
get in a few more summer-fun activites
before the official start of the 'school-year'.

(even though I haven't been in school
for nearly a decade,
my brain still focuses on
freshly-sharpened pencils
and starts preparing my annual
Pumpkin Carving party at Halloween,
while my hands start leafing through cookbooks
looking for roast recipes)

One of these such immediate summer activities
was to go, without notice,
to the Dodger game on Sunday.

(ok, well NOT a DODGER game,
really a CUBS game, but dont tell my fellow
Angelenos that that is REALLY why I went)

I remember summers in Chicago

(we didn't live there, but it was my first introduction
to a big city, and is still, minus the weather,
my FAVORITE in the WORLD)

when we used to slather on the sunscreen,
grab a hot dog,
and watch the Cubbies at the most perfect ballpark in history:

Wrigley Field.

*wow

I was overcome
even then,
by the amazing aesthetic of such a remarkable place;
you could SMELL the history in the wooden bleachers,
and I was spellbound by the romance of
the 1913-built field,
with its ivy-covered outfield walls
(planted in 1937)
and un-duplicated anywhere in the league
rooftop seats,
making it, to me, like a very large, magical, back-yard.

*the nearby apartment building's rooftop seats
have always seemed like a special club to me,
and I fantasized as a child about living there someday...

I was pleased to see that the architect's name was
Zachary Taylor Davis
(mine is Ryann Taylor Davis,
preceded by my Grandfather, Carmen Taylor Davis)
so maybe I am connected, somehow,
to this great legacy,
and my cells just KNOW they belong there...
(my grandfather WAS an active part of the Teamsters
in the Chicago area, afterall.)

I hadn't been to a baseball game since I was 12,
and being back, watching the first all-American sport
was a coming home.

I had a wonderful time,
even if we WERE at Dodger Stadium
(which is actually very beautiful as well.)

*Gordy, a Dodger fan, and I, at the game...
he was mortified to be seen with me in my Cubbies regalia...

It has to be noted
that as we arrived late to a tied game,
Dodgers/Cubs 1-1...
the second I sat down at the bottom of the 3rd,
hot dog in hand,
the Cubs started to win.

And they did.
3-1.

Guess they knew I was 'home'.

xx

Visions of Sugar Plums...

2009-08-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

So I'm finding myself getting back to ME today.

Grief is a funny thing,
it comes in these gentle waves
(which I've found best not to resist)
and I'm surprised to find that what is really coming up for me
is gratitude,
not sadness.

I picked up Benji's ashes today.
They came in a little handmade oak box,
which is now sitting on the bookcase
in front of my vision board.

I have a vision for my life.

It includes
love,
peace,
abundance,
prosperity,
health,
loyal (well-behaved) animals,
honest, dear friends,
a strong, spiritual man,
delicious children,
a beautiful place to live,
and an abundance of
delicious food,
laughter,
interior design,
writing,
TV hosting,
and travel.
(to name a few)

And although this week has presented a great deal of loss,
I am aware of how blessed I truly am.

And am grateful
for the fact that I am living my way
into my vision,
right now, in real time, today.

Despite the challenges,
the loss,
the changes.

I have it really good.

Also on my vision board
is a photo of George Clooney,
in a bathing suit,
on a Chris Craft boat,
at his villa in Lake Como, Italy.

*Hello, Sugar Plum.

Hey, a girl's gotta have vision.

After the Agony, the Laundry...

2009-08-20T17:49:00.001-07:00

So, he's gone.

Tuesday morning I woke up before dawn,
and sat outside with him as the sun came up on his last day with us.

It was a chilly morning,
and we snuggled together listening to the birds start their day,
enjoying our last moments together.

It was hard. To watch him leave us.

But he handled it beautifully,
and I sang to him and rubbed his ears as he gently passed away.

The last couple of days have been weird.
No herbs or pills, no rushing home to make sure he's alright.

It's been calm.
And I know this is what he wanted for me.
To have calm back in my life.

He thanked me, with his eyes, as he went.
For all that I had done,
all the love we shared,
and for making him comfortable these last weeks.

And so as sad as I am,
as hard as it is to not see him wagging his tail
when I walk through the door,

there is peace.

And he is ok.

And so am I.

And so, now, with a new appreciation for all that I have,
all that I am,
and all that I do,
it's back to life.

I am grateful.
For my health and heart,
"The Farm",
the sweet cottage on Hudson,
a fridge full of food,
fresh laundry (with new sheets on the bed),
my incredible life's work,
and the amazing people in my life (including YOU).

And although we all miss him,
"The Farm" is thrilled to have 'me' back.

*Pippa Squeak, Cricket Magoo, and Figueroa

*Marmalade

It's good to be 'home'.

To Benji-man Button,
wherever you are:
Thank you for being a part of this family,
for making us smile every single day,
and for leaving us with such grace.

*angel

We miss you.
Rest, my love, in peace.

xx

You're too much.

2009-08-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

So today, we went to the beach.

I couldn't let him go without saying goodbye
to one of his favorite places.

I wondered if taking him was a bit too much.
If I was just willing him to be better than he really is.

I was stunned at the way his energy perked up
the second we arrived,
and how he dragged me, pulled me, down the beach
further and further
until I inevitably had to carry him back to the car.

*"MOM, lets GO..."

Sitting there, on the beach with him,
the cloudy sky holding us both in the breeze,
as we snuggled close,
was a moment I will never forget.

*Priceless.

I realize now that it was the best thing for him,
and for me,
to get out, see the vastness of the ocean,
witness its natural ebb and flow,
like life,
and feel comforted by the warm sand under my toes,
and the life breathed into my boy
for that short time.

For an hour, he was a puppy again.

And I am so grateful to have witnessed it.

THAT is how I will remember him,
how I will hold him in my heart.

I made peace with losing him today.
Watching him lay in the sand,
with the breeze on his face,
content,
is how he will always be to me.

And a great lesson was learned:
It is never too much
or too late,
one is never too busy
to take the time
to create the memories we hold most dear.

And I'm forever grateful.

xx

The Time Traveling Dog.

2009-08-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Benji is still hanging in there,
although they say Lymphoma is going to take him from us soon.

*Sweet Bear

We've been doing acupuncture twice a week
and he is on Chinese herbs as well.
Our goal is to keep him comfortable and supported as he makes his transition.

As challenging as it's been to know
that we are going to lose him,
its been really nice to lay low with him,
and enjoy our last summer together.

We've read The Time Traveler's Wife
from cover to cover
(536 pages of yummy- please DO read it if you haven't)
and seen the subsequent movie.

*Eric Bana is SO delicious.

(Ben stayed home for that one, but
I'm sure he would have liked the book better, as I did, anyway.)

We've done a 1000 piece puzzle...

*our first one was of an East-Coast seaside town

and started a 2nd.

We've caught up on a few months worth of shelter mags
(the July issue of British Homes and Gardens is immaculate-
we especially love Ian Mankin's new
Organic Linen Union ticking)

*Perfect organic doggy-bed fabric

(Benji informed me he'd like a new dog bed
fashioned out of the 'Night' colorway)

and of course we've managed to take a nap or ten.

In order to take care of myself,
and stay above water, as they say, in this trying time,
I have really gotten back to basics:
lazy summer days, light simple meals
(I made grilled farmer's market peaches that were to DIE for,)
and
the people that I love.

They've all come around to let us know we are loved,
and to make sure he knows how special he is to all of us.
And he does, I think. He knows.

Maybe he can come back to visit some day,
on a time travel mission,
and we can do a puzzle and grill some drumsticks.
(his favorite)

Until then, I'm thrilled to have my boy by my side,
as we take this one moment at a time,
and cherish the time that we have together.

I'll never forget what a great summer Benji has given me.

I hope you're enjoying yours as much as we are.

xx

Grilled Peaches:
(thanks Martha)

Peel, halve and pit 8 fresh peaches.

Preheat grill to high.
Combine the juice of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon veg oil in a bowl.
Add peaches; toss to coat.
Place peaches (with liquid) on a large piece of
parchment-lined foil.

Stir together:
1.5 tablespoons packed light-brown sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon coarse salt.

Brush over peaches, fold foil to form a packet, crimping edges to seal.
Grill, covered for 15 mins.

Slice peaches, divide among 8 bowls,
and let cool for 5 mins.

Top with vanilla ice cream and serve.

Enjoy!

Life is but a dream...

2009-08-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

What a challenging few weeks its been.

Poor Benji-man Button has been very sick,

and after several vet visits,
numerous tests,
and an acupuncture session,

we are finally seeing some improvement in the little bear.

I cannot tell you how attached I have become to the sweet man.

And how being with him, while he is ill,
praying to whatever is out there
that he WILL make it,
that he will be fine,
has really brought me down a level.

Why, I wonder, is it always the threat of tragedy
that brings us to our knees,
to help us appreciate the sum of tiny miracles that is our
perfectly precious lives?

A cup of coffee hasn't tasted this good in a while,
just the aroma, the swirl of the cream,
the perfect dollop of sweet honey,

and sitting outside to watch the sun rise over the horizon,
highlighting one of the greatest cities in the world,
that I am privileged enough to
be a participating resident of.

It isn't the easiest, however,
to have light shed upon how perfectly transient this all is,
to have the notion of 'How important is it, really?'
be at the forefront of your mind at every moment.

The challenge lies in how lonely this begins to feel
when nearly everyone around you
is SO committed to the
lives they have created, and the importance
of every last detail,
where, to me, for today,

its just not.

Its just not that important.

Most of it.

What matters to me today:
Hearing him breathe,
watching him drink water,
being SO overcome with joy
when he eats a BITE of chicken,
that its almost as if he had started
reciting Shakespeare.

I've always known it was the little things that gave me so much joy.

That's what this blog has been for me,
a place to share, with you, the teeniest little pieces
of my innermost awe.

And for today,
my life,
as it is,
with Benji sleeping soundly beside me,
healing deeply,
is so much more than I could ever hope for.

Thank you for being here to share it with me.

xx

The Dawning of a New Era...

2009-07-24T21:31:00.001-07:00

I am turning 30 tomorrow.

My 20's were filled with many an interesting experience...

They began at UCLA Theater school,

while producing the Pussycat Dolls at the Viper Room
(before their current incarnation, thank heaven)

*Carmen

and travelling around Italy, France, Portugal and Spain
kissing cute native boys and drinking various regional varietals
(my favorite being Brunello di Montalcino),
while dancing late at night, and taking naps on the beach.

*I lived in Marbella for a while. It didn't suck.

Then on to my career in production,
working the red-carpet at the Golden Globes and other award shows,
rubbing elbows with Hollywood's finest
(and discovering they are really JUST people,
something I didn't expect while growing up in the Midwest cornfields)

and living at Villa Primavera at Harper and Fountain,

*James Dean lived in my unit

while having a wild and brilliant night-life filled tryst with Los Angeles,

before meeting a strapping and brilliant European man at 22
and moving to
Malibu
to be with him.

*Nice view.

For a while.

25 brought with it a move to a bungalow in Venice,
and Preppy Propaganda,
my short-lived but heart-felt
non-profit political T-shirt line,

*the Future Voter one was my favorite

and my stint as a nanny
(loved that job)

before discovering my passion for Interiors at 26,
(while up to my elbows in hardy-backer and stain,
fixing up a house for resale in the hills,)
and living in Hancock Park,
strolling through
Larchmont Village with a Peet's coffee in hand.

Succulent was born while I was 27,

*this was always my favorite arrangement

and seeing a handsome and lovely (motorcycle driving) lad
who lived in a gorgeous loft at 4th and Main downtown.
(We used to wander the streets late at night,
and eat huge breakfasts at The Pantry)

*they have the best pancakes in the city

This final year of my youthful decade
brought about the closing of Succulent,
the launch of a blog,
my re-entry into my passion for Interiors,
and my move to the sweet cottage on Hudson Ave,

where my 30's will begin.

In the morning.

My 20's were a blast.

But I have to say,
out of all the places I've lived in LA,
of all the jobs I've worked,
of all the men I've dated,
of all the places I've travelled,
of all I've experienced
during that carefree yet challenging decade,

I cant imagine being ANYWHERE else
but RIGHT here,
RIGHT now.

With you.

xx

O! Burger, Where Art Thou?

2009-07-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a new obsession.

Now, I know its the time of year where one should
technically be manning their own BBQ.

But WHY on EARTH
(or rather WHY in LA)
would one want to bother,

when there is a place called O! Burger?

This yummy little gem, tucked inconspicuously
along the shops in Boy's Town
offers completely delicious
100% Organic Grass-Fed Beef Burgers,
and perfectly crispy fries
in a clean, modern environment with friendly staff.

And although it isn't the CHEAPEST place in town
(a 'combo' of beef burger, small fries, and ice tea runs $10.99)
I've spent more at Fatburger only to feel like a small
beluga whale soon after consuming.

*YUM.

The 'About Us' page on their website
talks more to the details of their mission:
everything edible they offer is organic,
(right down to the ketchup)
and grass-fed beef
"is rich in Omega 3’s, CLA (a fatty acid that may be a potent cancer fighter),
vitamins A & E, and antioxidants, plus it has fewer calories.
It can be as lean as skinless chicken."

Their hope is to "leave you satisfied without feeling stuffed."

So should I feel SO guilty that
I have eaten 2 of these burgers in
the last 24 hours?
(dinner last night, and somehow I happened to end up there again at lunch)

Honestly, I can truly say I've never felt this good
after pigging out on a burger and fries.

At this rate, I may continue to show up for a meal everyday...

Kinda like Super Size Me, only the organic version.

Where's a camera crew when you need one?

xx

Oh, Say, Can you See?

2009-07-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

What a great 4th of July.

A very charming, and handsome, young man
took me on his brand new Ducati Monster 1100
out to Malibu,

replete with festive, holiday-appropriate helmut.

*Cute right?

The ride was gorgeous, and I was surprised
that not only did I feel SAFE on this powerful machine,

I actually found myself wanting one.

(I would like to create a NEW genre of female rider-
the Biker CHIC- sans K)

His looked similar to THIS:

*apparently, this is the Governator's manufacturer of choice

And mine, I'm guessing, would look more like this:

*yes Ducati now offers custom colors on their Monster 696 models

Anyway, we drove out north of Geoffrey's,
(which has THE best Cadillac Margarita in the UNIVERSE,
and the views, of course, are the best in LA)

to a friends rental off of PCH.

*quite palatial, no?

We grabbed a Corona, changed into our suits,
and jumped in the pool.

(well, ok, technically HE did, I stuck my toe in- BRRRR- and decided
I had risked my life enough for one day)

Hot tub for me.

After some time chatting over basic BBQ conversation:
who does what, with whom, and when,
and the inevitable mention of Iran,
and Michael Jackson,

We changed and hopped back on our sweet ride.

Back in town, we regrouped, and headed up the hill
for the Ghetto Fireworks Extravaganza
at Claire's.

The views were amazing,
and as we watched 'The Rocket Man' and 'American Pride'
regale us with their spark-ed glory,
we laughed as the shrapnel flew,
and the kids screamed in glee (or horror, I wasn't quite certain)
before heading back down the hill to call it a night.

Returning home, I was somewhat worried
about what the dogs would think of our time-honored tradition
to blow things up very, VERY loudly.

Cricket and Pippa were fine,
Benji on the other hand was NOT a fan.

*Poor little bear

(When I let him out to go 'potty' he subsequently ended up UNDER the house.)

Not the kind of 4th of July's I remember from my childhood in the Midwest,
but I must say, the California way has something going for it.

I'll be back.

xx

Miracles in Bloom.

2009-07-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

It's a miracle.

The internet is back in the wee cottage on Hudson Ave.

For a couple of weeks, things were a bit prickly around here.

Since I just got things up and running,
and am quite knackered from a fabulous day
(dog walk, Huevos Rancheros, 11am movie,
window shopping, leisurely lunch, good book, nap, hot bath
then dinner with friends,)

I will post more elaborately tomorrow.

BUT I just wanted to share what I woke up to
outside of my bedroom window this morning.

My organ-pipe cactus was in bloom.

These cactus flowers generally open at night for less than 24 hours,
bursting with brilliance out of their harsh, spiny wombs,
briefly sharing with the world their delicious aroma,
before closing up and turning back within.

Their scent is intoxicating:
Sweet, tropical, like Hawaii.

And they beg me to appreciate the small stuff,
the miracles that are in the everyday.

A delicate, fleeting blossom that shares its perfume in the summer evening air.

And high-speed internet.

Its the simple things.

xx

Just Peachy...

2009-07-02T09:58:00.001-07:00

I miss you guys so much.

My internet has been down for the last 2 weeks,
which has been nothing short of maddening,
and I am still duking it out with AT&T Broadband to fix the problem.

They assure me they will have things resolved by tomorrow...
So hang in with me, folks.

After being on the phone with them for HOURS,
I am in need of some serious R&R this weekend.

I plan to go to a few gatherings in Malibu,
and then watch the fireworks from a friends boat in the Marina,
with a glass of rosé in hand.

I never come to a party empty-handed,
but this year I actually received requests for my
Mixed Berry-Peach Crisp.

Here is my secret recipe, one which I've spent many summers perfecting,
for this delicious, SUPER EASY July 4th Holiday treat:

You'll need:
A 13x9 baking dish
(I use this one from C&B, its AMAZING and SO affordable!)

A large mixing bowl

A medium mixing bowl
(easy, right?)

For the Fruit Mixture:
2 cups blueberries (2 small packets)
2 cups raspberries (2 small packets)
2 cups sliced strawberries (1 large packet)
2 cups sliced sweet peaches (1 large packet or
around 5 small peaches)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/3 cup fresh orange juice (from orange where you
took the zest-just squeezing w/ my hand usually gives me enough)

For the Crisp Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour (I use whole wheat)
1 cup granola (without raisins etc)
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) UN-salted butter, cut into
small pieces,
PLUS some for greasing baking dish
1 large egg

To Make:
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2) Combine fruit mixture ingredients (8 cups
fruit, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest and orange juice) into a
large mixing bowl.
Pour into a BUTTERED 13" x 9" baking dish.

3) In a separate bowl, Combine flour, granola,
brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and small pieces of butter
WITH HANDS until crumbly.
Add egg last, and finish combining.
Lay across top of fruit mixture.

4) Bake for 40 mins, or until golden brown and bubbly.

5) Let cool slightly, then serve in individual bowls,
with vanilla bean ice cream if desired.

6) Enjoy! Yum!!

*You can refrigerate this after cooled to room temp,
And I've found it is even delicious served cold!

Especially for breakfast. :)

xx

Do You Remember the Time...

2009-06-26T11:35:00.001-07:00

Hi.

My internet has been down for a week,
and I am quite shocked by how much it has rocked my world
to be so out of touch.

(thank GOD for my Blackberry, at least I have been SOMEWHAT
connected to the outside world via that tiny little screen)

So, it was via Facebook Mobile yesterday
that I was stunned to hear
that the King of Pop
had passed.

Now, I know that MJ has had some challenges in his time...
(who doesn't?)

But I will never allow myself to remember him
as the man who had such a troubled adult life.

I choose to think of him as the man that
made my heart sing as a young girl
in the Midwest in the 1980's
who so desperately wanted to be COOL.

Like him.

*1979, the year I was born

*Captain Eo was my FAVORITE

And as an adult woman, I still saw him as
a young, brilliant child,
who really just needed a hug.

So, Michael, I choose to remember you
as you TRULY were:
the most brilliant and talented musical artist of our time.

Rest in Peace, finally, sweet man.

I will forever be your PYT.

xx

Ahhhhmma.

2009-06-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday,
I went to the fabulous Radisson Hotel at LAX
to see Mata Amritanandamayi,
otherwise known as Amma.

Amma, or 'Mother' is an Indian Spiritual teacher,
and is most widely recognized for her
humanitarian efforts.
Her followers call her the 'Hugging Saint.'

I've never been to an Amma event,
nor had I really heard much about her,
but a friend of mine said a saint was hugging people,
and I thought, 'Why not?'

We arrived and got in line for Darshan,
the opportunity to meet Amma,
get a hug from her,
and subsequently receive her blessing.

There were booths selling amazing scarves,
incense, and tons of books on spirituality.

But something more interesting caught my eye.

The Amma Doll.

Amma Dolls came into being when a
young girl living at Amma's Ashram in India
carried a doll with her everywhere.
Amma suggested that she carry a doll like
Krishna or something similar,
which would help her go toward God
instead of going toward worldly things.

The girls mother asked Amma if she could
make a doll for the girl in her likeness,
and Amma replied with a resounding 'Yes!'

That night the woman made an Amma doll and
the young girl started to carry the doll everywhere they went.

People she encountered, without knowing why, wanted to hold the doll.
The doll became a way for others to receive darshan,
a spiritual encounter with the saint.
Women and men alike claimed to have a spiritual experience
through hugging this doll.

I am always one for having a souvenir of my experiences,
spiritual or otherwise,
so I gave a $20 bill to a woman
selling tiny Amma dolls, about 3 inches tall,
and got in line for my hug.

*my Amma Doll

Amma pushed me to her breast, chanting into my ear,
rocking me like a small baby.
She smelled of incense and rosewater,
and a calmness washed over me.

I was loved.

She blessed my little Amma doll, and sent me on my way,
with a few rose petals, and a Hershey's kiss.

When we left, I realized that I truly AM loved.
And, by many people.

And although I am grateful to have been blessed by a saint,
and to have this sweet little doll to talk to,
ask questions, and have something
to hold as a connection to the Greater Universe,
I realize that I have all that I need inside.

Maybe THAT is what she whispered into my ear...

At the very least, I have a sweet little friend to hold at night,
while I dream of travelling across the stars.

xx

On a short leash...

2009-06-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

I am always looking for adorable dog accessories,
and was so happy to find that Elle Decor

(my new favorite shelter mag, since Domino was laid to rest)
has a similar passion.

I am mad for
a fabulous new line of dog leashes and collars
featured in the June issue:
the Sailors Knot collection
from Mascot.
* You can find these at my favorite doggy store in LA-
Maxwell Dog, in Studio City

Available in 12 different colorways,
with nickel hardware,
these Nantucket rope-bracelet inspired baubles
have me dreaming of taking Pippa
to the Hampton's on a mini-break.

I also stumbled upon THESE
adorable/incredibly durable
(a huge plus at my house)
Rope Balls and Bones from Harry Barker...

I think Pippa may need a new preppy set of accessories
to ring in the summer...

Even if we can't make it out to the Hampton's this year,
she still must look her best...
One never knows, she may have
some new competition
in the Cutest Puppy category
at the dog park.

I mean, no matter WHAT she's sporting,
she's Top Dog in my book...

But its always good to show the newbies who's boss,
keep 'em on a short rope.

xx

I left my heart at Hearst Castle...

2009-06-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about the beautiful Ranch
in the hills of San Simeon
all week.

The birds were chirping,
the waves crashing on the beach,
(we even saw some blue whales breaching)
and I felt a calmness I'm not used to feeling in the city.

While there,
I got thinking about the guests who got to stay
for a weekend at the request of W.R. Hearst,
and wished I was one of them.

The spectacular views, the amazing gardens,
and most admirably,
the POOLS.

There, of course, were two.

The outdoor Neptune pool for catching some rays
after a long ride on the property,
or a challenging game of tennis...

*Scenes from Spartacus were filmed here

and the indoor Roman pool,
for evening swims,

*the diving platform

was decorated with 1" mosaic glass tiles,
detailed with 23K gold leaf,

and glistened by antique candle-lit fixtures.

I would have loved to have enjoyed a night cap and
taken a dip with a young Cary Grant...

*he was a frequent guest...

before turning into my room at Casa Del Sol,
the 3600 sq. foot guest house.

*Casa del Sol

Maybe I would have asked him to tuck me in...

I know, there are many who would argue that he would have been
much more intrigued by Clark Gable than me,

but I'm willing to wager he would have found me enchanting.

Who knows?
Maybe in a past life, he did.

xx

Miami Vice.

2009-06-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Another cloudy day in Sunny SoCal.

A very dear friend of mine is visiting from Miami,
we are meeting up for dinner tonight,
and I can't help but feel sheepish about the weather.

Afterall, Miami is SO delicious this time of year...
(save for the occasional hurricane)
and I'm feeling a little silly bragging about my amazing California Coastline.

Makes me think maybe I should have headed HIS way...

To lay around on the beach,

and stay at the Kelly Wearstler-designed
The Tides South Beach

for some much needed R&R.

This hotel makes me SWOON,
I find it just absolutely perfect.

I imagine myself laying poolside, with a very large straw sunhat,
sipping some fruity beverage,
engrossed in some terrible girly novel
in my polka-dotted bikini.

It's no mistake that my favorite hotel in Miami
was designed by an Angeleno...

I guess even on vacation, there's still no place like home.

xx

And not for $1.00 more...

2009-06-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in San Simeon,
at 'The Ranch' as they liked to call it.

(Hearst had 7 other estates of this magnitude,

the actual 'Castle' was in Wales, I found out,
and he had an additional 30 individual homes.)

When George Bernard Shaw visited 'The Ranch',

he is quoted as saying that it was
"what God would have built if he had the money."

I was awestruck by the incredible detail,

how nothing was spared in the creation of this remarkable place.

And I will discuss that at length in the posts that follow.

But one of the most intriguing parts of my visit,

what had me completely romanced,
was Hearst's affair with actress Marion Davies.

They were in love.

And although he was married, with a wife in the 90 room estate

on Long Island, raising the 5 children,
he was throwing lavish parties at The Ranch,
with her by his side.

They would swim, horseback ride, and play tennis by day,

have cocktail hour at 7:30p,
dinner in the dining room at 10p,
and then a movie afterward in the ornate theater
(normally staring her)
before retiring to bed.

Guests included all the biggest stars: Douglas Fairbanks,

Charlie Chaplin,

and even a young JFK.

What a decadent life.

And then,

When Hearst died, he left 51% of his wealth to Marion.
And in a spirit of solidarity she sold it back to his wife and children.

For $1.00 per year.

You see, she was never in it for the money.

She was just in love.

Imagine that, a man literally on top of the world.
And the true treasure in his life couldn't be bought.

Now THAT's priceless.

xx

HEART Castle...

2009-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have stolen away to Hearst Castle

for the weekend!

I'll take tons of pictures of the amazing grounds,
find out as many anecdotal tales as I can,
and have some hillarious stories from the trip, I'm sure.

Until then,
Bonne Weekend!!

xx

Hello, Moto... Benso Photo.

2009-06-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Shaun is an incredible photographer.

Needing a new publicity shot,
I called on him to take some photos of me
that were neither too predictable nor out there.

I headed over to his studio,
some random outfits in tow,
and pulled up to this total babe on a motor-scooter.

His name was Gunner
(of course it was)
and he was picking up his proofs JUST as I happened to arrive.
(perfect timing)

*Gunner, the adorable motor-biker, as captured by Shaun

But I digress.

My POINT is that Benso Photo
(Shaun BENSOn: photographer)
not only made me feel like a supermodel all afternoon,
he fed me Mexican coffee, played groovy tunes,
and captured shots I am completely amazed by.

*Please note: none of these have even been touched UP yet...

If you're ever in need of a brilliant photographer,
please do call on him.

And Mr. Motorbike, you can call on ME anytime.

xx

Blackberry Jam.

2009-06-04T10:52:00.001-07:00

I got a random call from a dear friend of mine a couple of weeks ago.

His friend, a casting director, was looking
for people whose lives, essentially, depend upon their
Blackberry.

*no, not THOSE ones.

*THIS one.

Of course he called me.

(thanks, I think, Jason.)

The next thing I know I have a film crew of 20
in my house to shoot me,
an Interior Designer, and DesignCupcake blogger
talking about my love for this brilliant contraption.

Of course I had about 24 hours to prep my newly-moved-into home
to make it look like I am a fabulous Interior Designer
whose home is done to the nines...

So I did what any girl would do.

I called on my friends Peter Dunham and Nathan Turner.
*which was a much more productive option than threatening to kill
my upholsterer to get my chaise and curtains finished in record time.

Everyone at Almont Yard
helped me complete my fabulous office,

replete with Peter's gorgeous Gibbs Chair

and his famous How to Marry a Millionaire rushed stool.

*The curtain of course is my FAVORITE colorway
(peacock/tea) of his Kashmir Paisley...

Nathan loaned me this INCREDIBLE custom dhurrie rug,
that alas they decided not to use, but is too delicious to not be mentioned.

*if the dogs didn't chew EVERYTHING on the floor,
this would be a permanent fixture in my home.

And it turned out so sweetly,
that now I'm re-thinking my entire scheme.

I mean, walking on to 'the set' of a fabulous Interior Designer's office
makes a girl question her decor...

Afterall, I'm not REALLY an Interior Designer, I just PLAY one on TV.

xx

I Only Have Eyes for Tomb...

2009-06-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that romance

is alive and flourishing in Los Angeles.

Memorial Day weekend found me at the
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
for the Cinespia screening of one of my all-time favorite films,
Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief.

A very charming, yet soulful, native Angeleno showed me the ropes,
(I'd shockingly never been)
replete with picnic blanket, cheese and a bottle of wine.
(I supplied the Haribo Gummibears.)

We poured a glass,
then took a stroll to bear witness to
the other 1800 people who had gathered to bask in
the Holiday weekend start-of-summer glory by
sitting under the stars,
taking in this Hitchcock classic.

Although a tad chilly, we sat snuggled up on our blanket
and watched as Grant and Kelly wooed one another.

The music swelled, the credits scrolled down the mausoleum wall,
and 'I Only Have Eyes for You' started playing as the lights came up.

And then, he kissed me.
Right there next to Laurence Olivier's tomb.

Hey, whoever says 'Romance is Dead' has CLEARLY
never been to the cemetery.

xx

Rock-Goodbye-Baby...

2009-06-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

One of the finest craftsman in history
recently passed away.

Sam Maloof was born in Chino, California in 1916,
and went on to become one of the founding fathers of the
American Arts and Crafts movement.

A woodworker,
He was most famous for his rockers,
(all of which fit so perfectly together
they require no nails or metal fastenings)

and has many fans, most notably
Presidents Carter, Reagan and Clinton.
(and me.)

He also crafted an incredible residence,

that is open for docent-led tours in Alta Loma,

by HAND.

This incredible Californian
was awarded the MacArthur Foundation fellowship “genius grant,”
making him the first craftsman to ever receive the honor.
*My favorite piece, his Double Rocker

His work was featured in a 2001 retrospective
aat the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery,
and his work is included in the permanent collections
at the Met, LACMA, Boston, Philadelphia and the Smithsonian,
among others,
not to mention is a permanent fixture in the White House.

I wonder if Barack knows he's reading the girls' their bedtime stories
in the most perfect rocking chair ever created.

Somehow, I have a feeling, he's bright enough to be able to feel a difference.

xx

June BLOOM.

2009-06-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Its been cloudy in LA for at least a fortnight,
and I've started to wilt due to the lack of sunshine.

Its starting to peak through as I write this,
but the cloudy June-Gloom days
have really made me appreciate my
normally superflously-sunny city.

May was a tough month for me,
(boy went away, job changed, ferocious killer-kitty bite)
so I'm happy to say that summer is upon us

and I'm SO ready.

This summer I would like to do the following:

Pick Berries.

Go to the movies outdoors.

Have dinners Al Fresco.

Bake a berry crisp.

Garden.

Watch the sunset at the beach.

Ride my Hello Kitty bike to ice cream at Scoops.

Stroll through the Farmer's Market and shop for watermelon.

Sew a new summer sun-dress.

Drive to Santa Barbara for tacos at La Superica.

Go to Disneyland.

Swim in pools... at night.

Imbibe in Paloma Margaritas with the girls on the patio at Loteria.

and those are just a few ideas...
Sounds like a great summer awaits.

Now if the damn SUN would just stay out, I could get started.

xx

A long repose...

2009-05-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have missed you all so much.

After a terrible bite from a ferocious beast,

*Marmalade, the ferocious California Alley-Cat

I was left somewhat paralyzed

(and thumbless)

for quite some weeks.

I am back with a thousand stories and adventures to share,

and cant wait to fill you all in on the incredible moments

I've recently encountered.

To start:

I recently discovered

(and subsequently became obsessed with)

Sharon Montrose,

a local Los Angeles photographer,

who takes photos of animals in her studio,

and captures THE most incredible moments.

I am trying to decide which of the many I want to line my hallway,

I'll post some shots once I've decided and installed them.

Thanks for standing by me in my absence,

I am so excited to get re-acquainted.

Good NIGHT, Moon.

2009-05-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last night, the girls and I went out to the beach to watch the sunset.

I live in the Hollywood area, and I always forget
how remarkable the coast truly is,
how fresh and invigorating.
(not to mention CLOSE!)

I was awestruck by the colors of the sky...
they reminded me how much I love being
an Interior Designer-

slate grey, light blue, pale lavender
dusky rose and peach...

The sand a milk chocolate...

The nearly full moon reflected off the turquoise and navy water
in a gorgeous silver...

And it dawned on me...
ALL color comes, from one place or another, nature.
SO
as a designer, I just have to trust my instinct
about what colors work together,
and because nature created all of them,
I literally can't screw up.

And when I'm a little unsure of my choices,
I can take a drive to the beach, catch a sunset,
and find a deep rich palette to draw from thats foolproof.

Now THATs awe-inspiring.

xx

To each her own...

2009-05-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

I went to the LA Flower District this morning
and was awestruck by the incredible
display of spring.

The peonies were in FULL bloom,

Lilacs are back,

And the hydrangeas were so fluffy and delicate.

I even fell in love with the ROWS of tulips,
which have never been a favorite,
but they just remind me how MUCH spring is HERE.

Its like a living museum.

I could spend hours just walking around,
smelling the different blooms, taking in their colors.

Now, I know...
I DO have some issues with the cut floral industry,
and DO believe it is important to be aware of what goes IN
to bringing us these blooms.

This awesome book, and article, touch on some of the issues...
(pesticides, humanitarian issues, fossil fuel emissions)

But I'm starting to get a tad softer on life in general, loosening the rules.
Because if I am not allowed to appreciate the beauty of something already
underway, meaning something already harvested etc,
I am denying what is happening for ME, the beauty I am experiencing,
in THIS very moment.

The way I've found a compromise?

I bought nothing but THIS:

And it will flower for 6 weeks, and I can lovingly
tend to it and encourage it to bloom again.

I'm starting to see that we CAN make different choices
to show up for ourselves, and our planet,
in a different way,
But that we can at the same time appreciate and savor the moments
that life presents us.

Happiness, like all things, is a choice, an attitude.
And so I bless all the lovely blooms that wait to make some mother
incredibly happy this Sunday,
and sit quietly and enjoy my orchid.

To each HER own.

xx

Heard it through the Grapevine...

2009-05-06T16:53:00.000-07:00

Looking out my bedroom window this morning,

I was shocked at how quickly
my grapevines are growing...

To see the tiny little seeds of grapes starting to blossom
warms my heart.

Its no secret what a fool I am for wine...

One of my dreams is to retire to Sonoma
(Russian River Valley to be exact)
and rehab an old house into a fabulous boutique inn,
with an award-winning restaurant,
and delicious vineyard.

*isn't this just BEGGING to be turned into a gorgeous inn??

I would spend my days tending the chickens,
caring for my grapes and roses,
and throwing fabulous luncheons for my guests.

*THIS is actually for SALE in Healdsberg...

Nights would be spent telling stories around a campfire,
roasting marshmallows with folks of all ages,
and drinking wine I'd bottled myself
before tucking away
for a deep, restful sleep.

I may desire to travel this world and explore its glorious locales,
and will spend much of my time doing so.

But my heart and soul forever belong in California.

xx

Whitsunday of Oz...

2009-05-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

I clearly need a vacation.

And on a Monday,
WHAT better topic than yet another gorgeous locale?

Scanning some of my favorite blogs
(there are some GREAT ones out of Oz)
I stumbled upon Bespoke Press,
a lovely letterpress boutique's journal

and saw
THIS:

*they are travelling here now

Ok, what ARE the Whitsunday Islands?

An archipelago of 74 individual islands
bordered by the Great Barrier Reef
in the Coral Sea
off the coast of Queensland.

Yes. Please.

I would love to hop aboard a
tall ship and sail from island to island
for at LEAST a month or more.

Oh, yes and Also, please note:Bespoke has the
sweeetest limited edition prints...

I mean, I love California,
but I gotta say,
the land of Oz is looking pretty good right about now...

xx

I wish I were...

2009-05-04T12:01:00.001-07:00

HERE right now.

*she even kinda looks like me...
(thanks Joanna for the GREAT shot!)

It's a Monday. sigh.

xx

Happy Birthday, Thir-ty!

2009-05-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

My thirtieth birthday is coming up.

And I want to celebrate it with more than just

the traditional dinner out with friends and some wine.

This year, I'm dreaming of going with the girls to
the Parker Palm Springs,

to lay by the pool,

get a Sugar Daddy
(scrub treatment, rather)
and take a nap,

then eat a delicious dinner

*Mister Parker's

and have a few cocktails while dancing the night away.

Maybe Sunday will have to be spent

antiquing,

*Dazzles, the best antique store

window shopping,

*Trina Turk Residential

and mexican-lunching

*Las Casuelas Terraza

in the deep desert heat.

Is it too soon to start packing my suitcase?

xx

Lie-lac.

2009-05-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's one of those balmy, humid nights.

And I can't help but want it to just downpour
as I sit and listen.

It's so warm, the windows are open...
it reminds me of those late-spring evenings in Michigan,
when the moist breeze would carry the scent of lilacs onto my
bedroom sheets.

And somehow I knew, even then, at that tender age,
that this was the stuff happiness was made of.

Thank goodness SOME things never change.

xx

I went to a garden party...

2009-05-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Last night at Peter's sweet design haven,
Almont Yard,
I had a glass of blueberry-lemonade
(with a touch of vodka, I wont lie)
and chatted with new and old friends.

The occasion:

Annie Kelly and Tim Street-Porter have just released an
amazing follow-up
to their brilliant design bible,
Rooms to Inspire

(which features the most delicious spreads by some of the greats-
Miles Redd, Jonathon Adler, and LA's own Kelly Wearstler).

The new tome,
Rooms to Inspire in the Country

features front and center
Tony Duquette's iconic Malibu home,
as well as divine layouts by
Martyn Lawrence-Bullard
(who was at the party showing off his zebra print,
which I requested to be fashioned as a summer party-dress)
and another one of my favorites,
NY's Stephen Gambrel.

I haven't had a chance to scan any photos
but I will, and soon.

Please be prepared, you may be hearing about this book for a while...
I could do a daily post on each featured home,
its THAT well compiled.

Styling beautiful homes and having your
lovely husband photograph them,
then sharing your work in a gorgeous book.

Another dream job is revealed...

xx

Cute as a Benji-man Button.

2009-04-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

So there's a new man in my life.

We've been seeing each other since the first of the year,
I was walking my dogs...we locked eyes...

Comes to find out he just needed someone to love him,
(and a bath and good meal)

His name is Benji,

*full name: Benji-man Button

and he is a Korean Jindo that I took in off the streets.

I cannot tell you the joy this act of fostering has given me,
and the fun we have had getting to know one another.

It is so astonishing to me how many animals there are
roaming the streets of LA,
(rather, the world, but that's a whole OTHER issue for another time)
and to have taken this one in has given me great peace.

If you can, I highly recommend it.

However, now we are dealing with a mano-a-mano issue:
he and Cricket, my Blue Heeler, are starting
to duke it out for the Man-of-the-House title.

*Cricket on the left, Pippa right,
that's him passed out in the middle...

So it looks like its time to find sweet Benji a home.

*note, he likes kitties... likes to eat them rather

If you know of anyone who would love to fall in love with him,
as I have,
he's a good man.

xx

April Showers.

2009-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

I had the best dream last night.
*a fantasy, more like it

I walked in to a shop somewhere in wine-country
(good already, right?)
and there was an ENTIRE WALL displaying
Hunter Wellies
in a million colors and patterns,
and you could (GASP) custom design your own pair.

*maybe it stemmed from seeing this Jimmy Choo version a few days ago?
as close to fantasy as it comes...

The weather has been remarkably dreadful
these last couple of days...
(which really hasn't been a problem as I've been
tucked inside the new cottage tinkering away)

but I realized that it is nearly May,
and that the desert heat is about to fall upon us
like large down duvets in a sauna.

It made me already a little nostalgic for those cold, rainy days
where I get to jump about the city,
looking chic in boots that make me feel like
a 6 year old.

I guess I'll have to find a summer-time replacement
for that feeling...
maybe its wearing white eyelet-lace dresses,
carrying a purple parasol.

Maybe if I miss them too much, I can add these,

and turn on the backyard sprinklers.

xx

Adventures in Bloomsbury.

2009-04-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

So, I've been checking in on
Lisa Borgnes Giramonti's blog
A Bloomsbury Life,
as she is a neighbor, and
we run in the same circles...

(she is considerably chic-er than I,
however we know a lot of the same
lovely brilliant Angelenos)

*anyway*
I just cannot seem to get enough of
her delicious anecdotes.

Her last post about her
gorgeous son, Luca,
and his adventures in their backyard,
(replete with adorable photo)
has me completely captivated.

*I mean, seriously. How cute is he?

Lisa, a self-taught embroidery artist, wife, mother and world traveller,
updates us with her brilliant point-of-view
on everything from vintage books to Farrow and Ball paint colors,
the best jam in London to brilliant wallcoverings.

She is adorable, a taste-maker, and I'm hooked.

*maybe I'll have to invite her to high-tea...

xx

Treasure Hunt, anyone?

2009-04-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

I met the most incredible woman
at the Los Angeles Antiques Show yesterday.

Her name is Sue Brown
and she has been collecting and selling antique jewelry
for the past 30 years.

She is this remarkable soul,
with short grey hair,
a beautiful UK accent,
and the best smile,
and I found I wanted her to take me home with her.

A few of her finds I was coveting
were the
Lapis Lazuli with 18K gold bracelet from 1890,

the Amethyst and 18K gold scarab ring from 500BC,

and my FAVORITE:
the Georgian English pineapple-cut
Mediterranean Coral necklace
from 1800.

*the most amazing thing is that the Mediterranean Sea doesn't even HAVE coral anymore
and coral typically fades with time, and for over 200 years old, these
amazing hand carved beads were still vibrant and GORGEOUS.

I was so moved by the fact that this
modern-day treasure hunter
was able to bring all of these amazing pieces together
in one spot for me to experience not only beauty,
but a sense of history, and an understanding of the precious nature
of some of the planet's timeless trinkets.

We were marveling over the notion
that a ring from 500 BC could be beautifully, perfectly intact,
and for sale at a ridiculously affordable price ($3500)
in a country that was founded just over 225 years ago.

Doesn't quite add up, does it?

Made me appreciate even further the
quality and simplicity of things done to perfection,
the precious gems AND those who uncover them.

Think I may have found my dream job...

xx

LA Antiques Show.

2009-04-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning at the LA Antiques Show
(and saw the Governator,
another precious Californian antiquity)

Amazing works from all over the world were on display,
I was so moved and inspired by all of the incredible pieces.

I will post additional photos
and some yummy tidbits soon,
but just wanted to show off a couple of the
LOVELY pieces
I found...

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful Sunday!!

*Neoclassical Louis XVI - style painted daybed - South of France - Circa 1880

*Charles Robert Ashbee for the Guild of Handicraft,
handmade pearl and turquoise broach 1880s

*Vintage Ikat hand-printed linen

xx

Mmm... Amalfi...

2009-04-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

My friend Claire was wearing one of
the new Amalfi shawls
while we were
furniture shopping today...

(during which we found an AMAZING
Paul McCobb console table- more on that later)

ANYway...
I went online to see if I could find them,
and found THIS.

Yes, these are photos of me, modeling Amalfi shawls.

*please note, I am NOT a model, Claire is just a
GENIUS
photog.

These buttery-soft wraps are THE perfect accessory
for Southern California living,
and rumor has it
are coming out this spring in REMARKABLE new vibrant colors.

Please DO contact me for more info about these AMAZING shawls,
you'll be lost, as I am, without one.

xx

Succulent Succulents!

2009-04-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some Succulent arrangements
I built for a client this morning!!

I love getting my hands dirty and
playing with these resilient plants.

So soothing.

Enjoy!

xx

Goldilocks.

2009-04-24T16:53:00.001-07:00

WANT these.

Summer, please come sooner...

We have been having the strangest weather this week.

It was 100 degrees in the shade,
and now its 65 and cloudy.

HOWEVER,
That IS one of the things I love
about Southern California...

Sometimes I just feel like its TOO sunny,
and I want a little 'weather'.
*its nice to throw on a little cashmere...

Like today:
I'm wearing my fabulous J Brand jeans,

my boatneck charcoal grey cashmere sweater...

and flip flops.

Cozy. Comfy. Chic.

Not too cold, not too hot.

Juuuust right.

xx

Happy Home Day!

2009-04-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just taking a moment of gratitude for
this lovely place we call home.
(Planet Earth, AND Los Angeles...)

I went for a hike this morning in Griffith Park.

The birds were singing,
(a hummingbird even came to say hello)
and I stopped to, yes,
HUG a tree.
(her name is Gretchen I've decided)

As I was walking to my car,
I heard another force of nature:
A LOUD New York woman.

"I don't understand Los Angeles. It's too hot, too busy,
and for the second largest city in the country, has no culture."

This of course got me thinking:

1) What IS the population density of our 'little' town?

2) What are the things that, to me, represent Los Angeles culture?

Answers:
Q1) 3,849,378 people, which does not include the areas of
Beverly Hills, Culver City, Santa Monica or West Hollywood,
(4 areas that are surely a significant part of our thriving metropolis.)

Q2)
Taco Stands

LACMA/Getty

Beach Living

Canyon Culture

Green Living

Rock and Roll

Flip flops/tank tops

Farmers Markets

* just to name a few...

I have to say, although I appreciate NYC, and its
8,274,527 CULTURED people,
I think I'll stay right here, thanks.

xx

LOVE it.

2009-04-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, HOW fun is THIS?

Found this on one of my favorite blogs
(sohaute.typepad.com)

It presents you photos of interiors,
and then has you rate it
on a scale of 'love it' or 'hate it'.

It then calculates your responses to
give you your 'style'.

Mine was a little different every time I did it
(THREE times)
but was actually quite accurate.
(French Eclectic w/ Cottage Chic)

Who knew Interiors could be so fun?

xx

Earth's up, Dude.

2009-04-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we took the dogs
to the Huntington Dog Beach.

Pippa had a remarkable time
chasing after Cricket (as HE chased the ball)
and jumping head-first into the waves.

Although the water was still FREEZING
(it IS only April, afterall)
it was nice to spend a morning on one of
California's most beautiful coastlines.

Huntington Beach is the birthplace of
of Southern California surf culture,
where it was introduced in the 1920s,
and still holds the title of 'Surf City USA.'

Born of this culture is the Surfrider Foundation,
a non-profit grassroots organization
dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of
our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, the Aveda Institute Los Angeles will provide complimentary haircuts, makeup applications, express massages and polish changes to raise awareness around its
Earth Month activities, with
100% of the donations received donated to Surfrider Foundation.
*Call 310.209.2000 to schedule an appointment.

SO, I know what I'm doing this Earth Day
(cut and style payable to a good cause)

And maybe I'll have to throw a surfing lesson in there for good measure.

xx

COOL-her.

2009-04-20T14:59:00.001-07:00

I know I've been a little obsessed with Martha Stewart
these last few days,
and I promise I'll move on. Soon.
(there is just so much great stuff in the May issue!!)

For example:

I made these this afternoon...

(too bad the dogs can't have one, they look like they may melt into the floor)

Watermelon Coolers

8 cups 3/4 inch seedless watermelon cubes
(from 1/2 small watermelon, rind removed)
*plus more for garnish

Scant 2 and 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
* one 1/4-ounce envelope

1/4 cup cold water

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1 and 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

mint of basil sprigs for garnish

1. Purée watermelon cubes in a blender/processor until smooth.
Press through fine sieve into large bowl and discard solids.
*measures 3 cups strained juice

2. Prepare ice-water bath.
Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, let stand until soft, 5 mins.
Bring 1/2 cup watermelon juice and salt to simmer
in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add softened gelatin, stirring to dissolve.
Strain into a bowl set in ice-water bath.
Stir in remaining 2 and 1/2 cups watermelon juice and lemon juice.

3. Let stand, stirring often until beginning to gel, 15-20 mins.
Divide among 4 glasses, garnish with watermelon cubes.
Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.

4. Servce, garnished with mint or basil sprigs.

I can finally think straight again!
Thanks Martha!

*I think these would be GREAT with vodka... I'll have to try those next.

xx

Peek-a-Boo!

2009-04-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

I would like this please.

My new summer bag.

Made of raffia, lined with blue water-snake skin.

Perfect for a weekend away, a day at the beach,
or even a stroll through the farmer's market.

Rarr.

xx

Stop and drink the Rosés...

2009-04-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Lounging around on this incredibly balmy
Spring day in Southern California,
I was flipping through the May issue of
Martha Stewart Living,
and came across a great article on Rosé wine.

Always eager to learn more about my
favorites things
(of which Rosé is one)
I learned:

"Capture the youthfulness and freshness of rosé by drinking
the wine within a couple of years of the vintage date and
soon after purchase. Rosés are almost always served chilled..."

Here are some of their suggestions for the perfect bottle,
(4 out of 5 of which come from, you guessed it, CALIFORNIA)
all under a recession-friendly $20.

Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare Rosé (2007)
(which has an adorable website AND a Facebook page...)
"a dry pink-grapefruit profile with mineral tones,
perfect partner for a pizza topped with mortadella and mozzarella"

Soter North Valley Pinot Noir Rosé (2007)
"a peachy tint and ripe fruit aromas suggest sweetness,
but this dry wine pairs well with foods with tropical flair like fish tacos"

Copain le Printemps Mendocino Pinot Noir Rosé (2007)
"reminiscent of summer berries, a delicious companion to burgers"

Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Dry Pinot Noir Rosé (2007)
"Fresh strawberry, grapefruit and ginger ale, the bottle had a lovely spritz to it!"

Folie Á Deux Ménage á Trois Rosé (2007)
(whose website states: 'Good Rosé is like a carnival in your mouth')
"a note of honeydew melon and some refreshing acidity, pair it with crab salad"

I'm so thirsty all of a sudden...

xx

Spring Chicken.

2009-04-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Last night the girls and I made a lovely feast.

My friend Jules roasted a gorgeous chicken with
fresh lemon and thyme,

and Mireya some butternut squash and eggplant.

It got me thinking how delicious some of the most simple foods truly are.

And who can speak to that idea better than
Chez Panisse's Alice Waters.

Her book The Art of Simple Food,
(among her MANY other cookbooks)
features recipes using fresh, simple, seasonal, organic ingredients
and focuses on the joy and splendor of
buying local, farmer-grown produce.

As someone trying to constantly up my
'Green' quotient,
and a natural people person,
I am really enjoying participating in my local farmer's market,
and have Alice to thank for increasing my appreciation:

"As a community, we share not only a commitment to protect our natural resources, but an appreciation for the value of food itself, a love for its taste and beauty and the deep pleasure it can bring by connecting us to time and place, the seasons, and the cycle of nature."

Sounds like the perfect time to plant my tomatoes.

xx

Beauty and her Beasties.

2009-04-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

I went to my dear friend Claire's this afternoon...

(she is half of the founding genius behind my
FAVORITE T-shirt line-
C&C California,
and this will not be the last you hear about her,
as she has mad-style and inspires me to no end)

Anyway,
I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with JOY
when I went to use the powder room...

She had (finally) wallpapered it!
(I've been begging her to do it for some time)

And of course her choice was impeccable:
Timourous Beasties'
London Toile.

This BRILLIANT paper
captures the less than glamourous
aspects of the financial capital,
while, somehow, making it all seem so charming.

You can find it at Walnut Wallpaper
on Beverly Blvd,
a GREAT shop with nothing but perfectly selected,
incredible wallcoverings.

Another fairy-tale ending.

xx

2009-04-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

I filed my taxes today.
And for the first time in a LONG time,
I don't mind paying them one bit.

Might have something to do with this guy...

xx

How Jenna-rous.

2009-04-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Jenna Lyons, J. Crew's creative director
was featured in Vanity Fair's 'My Stuff' this month.

*Jenna, and her son, Beckett

I am so in awe of her grace and style,
(her home featured in Domino is always in the back of my mind)
and I've obsessed over the brand she's made perfect
since I was a little girl.

Here are a few of her favorite things:
*Converse low-top Chuck Taylors in white

* Vintage 1960's gold Rolex
*Cranes stationary
*Essie nail polish in Mini Shorts
*New Zealand coral peonies
*Amanyara- Turks and Caicos
*Nude, black and lavender

And here are a few of MY favorite things
in her collection this season:

*posie patent leather capri sandal

*sorbet-stripe cardigan

*metallic-linen strapless dress

*canvas atelier jacket

*large metallic leather gallery hobo

I love her work, and find her glamorous sensibility inspiring.
She's found another fan in our First Lady.
And that's a Crew I'm proud to belong to.

xx

Wine don't you?

2009-04-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last night I watched the movie 'Bottle Shock',
(which is adorable, please do see it)
and am completely obsessed today with going up to
wine country for a mini-break.

I would of course stay at the Carneros Inn...
The little modern cottages soothe me.

My favorite vineyard is a tiny one
in Sonoma County,
off of Russian River Valley Road:
Arista Vineyards,
they have THE best Pinot Noir I've ever tasted.
*THIS is the tasting room!

Lunch in Healdsburg at
Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen...
(I had a foie-gois stuffed cheeseburger here once,
and it hasn't been rivaled)

and a stop at 14Feet,
which has the BEST mid-century antiques
*they have a PAIR of these Knoll chairs- LOVE them.

before heading back to dinner at
FARM at Carneros Inn

where the orange-scented Valrhona chocolate cake
is complete heaven.

I'm a little drunk just thinking about it...

xx

Day(in)bed

2009-04-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am spending the day catching up
on errands and other such life-stuff,
but would much rather be lounging on the daybed
in THIS nook by
Suzanne Kassler...

reading Deep Play by Diane Ackerman
(her Natural History of the Senses is my favorite book of all-time)

and having high-tea delivered in from The Penninsula
(do they do that? Well, they should.)

Hope you are enjoying a lovely Saturday,
whatever it is you are (or are dreaming about)
doing.

xx

C, I tooled ya.

2009-04-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Flipping through last month's C Magazine
(still catching up from a whirlwind month of March)
I came across the greatest spread
of 3 of my FAVORITE Los Angeles designer's offices,
but even better,
a list of some of their 'Tools of the Trade.'

Behold, the secret weapons of the minds of genius...

Peter Dunham:
* a magnifying glass that was Billy Baldwin's
*personalized stationary from Tiffany
*Vintage globes for far-away inspiration
*Vintage decor books for clout
*drawing by David Hicks, to be surrounded by the work of true genius
*The original chair from How to Marry a Millionaire for heritage

Barbara Barry:
*Glass carafes instead of water bottles
* Lamp light in place of overhead lighting
*Clean white surface as the presence of absence
and the potential therein
*Drawing tools for ideas that come in an instant
and need to be captured
*Bulletin board for tacking up images, to see
the connectedness in things

Kelly Wearstler:
*Wooden trays allow for play with a variety of colors and textures
* Cashmere throw
*Bold accessories to keep creativity flowing
*Prismacolor turquoise pencils
*Digital camera to photograph EVERYTHING
*Hermes notebook

Looks like I've got some shopping to do.

xx

The bazaar SLS Bazaar...

2009-04-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

Last night I had dinner with my friend Paul
and some of his colleagues
(one of whom was the design manager on the project)
at the SLS Hotel.

After a quick personal tour of the hotel
including the Bazaar- the public restaurant/bar area
featuring 2 from molecular gastronome Jose Andres, who I ADORE-
we settled into the guest lobby's Tres Restaurant.

The cheese and charcuterie plates were lovely,
and I spent one of the season's last cold, rainy nights
snuggled on a gorgeous tan-leather Cassina daybed
(specially made for the hotel of course)
in front of a glowing fire.

Although I hate to say that Starck's work felt
somewhat overdone, confusing, and unwelcoming
and tried a bit too hard to be 'chic',

I was lovestruck over
the Patisserie-
an area of the Baazar focused entirely on-
you guessed it-
DESSERT.

This Alice-In-Wonderland inspired kitchen,
with its white subway tiles, marble counters and glass jars
full of cookies, candies and cakes,
made me feel like a 5 year old on my birthday.

And despite finding the hotel to be a bit too much for my taste,
(Starck's understated-elegance Delano is a personal favorite)
I will be back.

If not for the delicious white-grape Mojitos,
surely for high-tea in Wonderland.

xx

SomeONE's Gotta Give...

2009-04-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I curled up with a cup of tea to
watch one of my favorite movies:
Something's Gotta Give.

I noticed again how incredible the set design and decoration is
in this film, and how the perfection of design
makes me lose myself in the story that much more.

Doing some research on the topic, I found that a lot of
blogs have approached the subject of who is actually
the genius behind this incredible 'house in the Hamptons';
James Radin (Nancy Meyer's designer) or Beth Rubino (the set decorator)?

I am starting to see that good design isn't about
who takes credit for it,
its about the imprint it leaves on those it touches.

Barbara Barry has captured this perfectly:
"I envision more people experiencing the feeling of how something done well
feeds the soul. That, in turn, brings us to the realization that we need less.
And that leads to an appreciation of the beauty in simple things-
things that exist freely in our world
like lemons growing on a tree,
air that is fresh
and the color of the sky."

and

Isle Crawford:
"Feeling nurtured, comfortable, protected, and loved
is all part of what goes into making spaces seem right..."

It is this quality that makes me work so hard,
to create spaces that evoke these feelings,
and begs the question:
What, as designers, can we GIVE rather than get?

Sure, I would love to have my name
splashed across the cover of Elle Decor, who wouldn't?
But the true accomplishment for me comes from
the notion that I've improved the quality of someone's LIFE,
not just their home,
by creating a space that soothes them.

And I'll humbly accept credit for THAT.

xx

Sohn Song.

2009-04-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

I met a lovely woman last September
through a random set of circumstances
(I bought a gorgeous desk chair from her off of CraigsList)

Her name is Heather Taylor and she co-owns
my favorite gallery in LA:

Heather and her partner Alex De Cordoba
have the most incredible eye;
my favorite being Jeana Sohn's work.

Jeana grew up in Korea and studied graphic design at CalArts,
and has the most ethereal, delicious pieces.

Her 'Collected Feathers' is my favorite piece of art in the city...

and her other works calm and move me.

She even does individual hand-painted wooden eggs
that are too remarkable to even try to describe here.

Please visit the gallery, and keep an eye on Sohn,
I know I will.

Market-ing 101.

2009-04-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Was up at the crack of dawn this morning to head
to my favorite flea market at the
Pasadena City College.

On the hunt for more fantastic dressers
(to no avail)
I found a few interesting items...
Nothing I had room for necessarily, but enough to catch my eye.

I did end up with another grey linen-covered book
to add to my burgeoning collection...
(I don't know what it is about them,
I just love the feel and color of the linen)

My boyfriend STOLE ($35- I know, he's a tough cookie)
an original Plycraft Wing lounge chair (with label!)
that my upholsterer will be thrilled to get ahold of...
(grey burlap or navy linen perhaps?)

It was then off to the Hollywood Farmer's Market
for an individually-brewed Peruvian coffee and
more of my FAVORITE bread from
Bezian's Bakery.
This handmade bread,
made with sourdough culture rich in micro-flora,
is the best bread I've ever had.
My favorite is the Date-Pecan.
Delicious.

I also picked up some fresh carrots
(something about eating them with the greens still attached
makes them taste better)

And some blood oranges and tangelos- so ripe and juicy...

All in all, another great Spring Sunday in sunny SoCal.

Hope you enjoyed yours!

xx

Dress-er up...

2009-04-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

My new bedroom requires a new dresser.

(Oh, how I always love when I actually NEED
to find some perfect piece for myself...)

While sourcing, I have developed this
new fascination with highboys.

This beautiful alternative to the typical
credenza-style set of drawers is equally as functional,
takes up less space, and looks so pretty with a small lamp
and tray of oddities.

There is the one I found from the 1920's
at an Antique shop in Santa Monica...

The amazing 1940's Widdicomb I discovered on 1stDibs...

And of course the GORGEOUS new
Ralph Lauren Modern Equestrian. Yummy.

Now the problem is choosing just one...

xx

Spring has Sprung...

2009-04-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the season's first Poppies

growing in my new cottage's back garden.

The climbing roses are in full bloom outside my guest house,
in the most perfect light pink hue...
(I am painting my bathroom Ralph Lauren's Resort White
this weekend, and it is nearly identical)

Fresh mint is growing in droves!
The perfect tea awaits...

I am so happy to live, in the midst of the Los Angeles chaos,
in such a tranquil and flourishing haven.

I can't wait to grow my tomatoes and eat them with fresh mozzarella
outside by candlelight this summer, under the grapevines,
with friends and a glass of Prosecco.

The finer things in life truly are those
perfectly and effortlessly designed by nature.

What a wonderful reminder.

xx

Sniff.

2009-04-02T22:44:00.001-07:00

It's official.

Domino Magazine has finally died.
They took the website to our favorite
shelter magazine down today, and replaced it with

Architectural Digest.

I cannot tell you how much inspiration I received from this
incredible publication, and would have to say
that it was one of the first pieces of inspiration
that made me realize that I really wanted to be an
Interior Designer.

The DIY projects, the gorgeous- yet approachable- layouts,
the brilliant photography...
I feel like I've lost a dear friend.

I think I will have to go through my collection this weekend and
see what issues I don't have so I can buy them on Ebay.

And we'll always have the bible.

RIP Domino. Thank you for creating another inspired
young woman hoping to create beauty in the world and
make it a better place, one perfectly chosen paint color at a time.

xx

The Escape Artist.

2009-04-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

With so much going on lately

(the wedding, the move, WestWeek)
I'm ready for a break.

My favorite little spot to escape to is in Palm Springs:
Korakia Pensione.

These beautiful Mediterranean and Moroccan villas
house beautifully simple rooms, poolside, at completely reasonable rates.

I think I should probably book a little time away,
to read a good book, get some sun, take a much needed nap,
and get into all things Spring.

My eyelids are getting heavy just thinking about it.
xx

Take time to stop and EAT the roses....

2009-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

My best friend in NYC just sent this recipe to me this afternoon,
and although I am trying to stop eating this stuff and squeeze
into my adorable navy Cosabella bikini soon,
I couldn't resist sending this along to you all.

They sound just too delectable to ignore.

Let me know how they turn out.

xx

Old German Rose Water Sugar Cookies

(Thanks to the Flower-Recipe E-Group for this recipe.)

* 1 c. sugar
* 1/2 c. room temperature butter
* 1 egg yolk
* 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
* 1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract (subst 3 or so drops of Lemon Oil for a much better flavor!)
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1/2 c. sour cream
* 1 1/2 tsp. rose water (ie, Rose Hydrosol)
* 1/8 tsp. salt
* 3 c. flour

Cream sugar and softened butter until smooth. Beat in yolk and flavorings. Combine baking soda and sour cream and stir into sugar mixture. Stir in rose water. Sift salt and flour; mix with batter. Roll out on floured surface and cut with cookie cutter.

Bake on greased sheets in preheated 325 degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cooking time may shorten if cookies are small. This recipe has been enjoyed since 1850.

This version will give a very subtle rose flavor. If you want the flavor more pronounced, add a single drop of rose otto. (And I always use two or three drops of our organic Lemon oil in any recipe calling for lemon extract. I think the extract is yucky stuff ;)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington...

2009-03-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

So I had the very fortunate circumstance of
visiting a clients gorgeous home this past weekend,
to work on some of his succulent containers.

This incredibly well-known playboy has just finished
the renovation of his entire second story, working with
none other than Michael S. Smith.

I must admit this house is one of the most impeccably
designed residences I've ever been in.
Everything, down to the parchment wallpaper tiles
and the glass-doored tuxedo closet,
was remarkably thought out,
and represented the man of the house perfectly.

I saw, for the first time, the absolute certain reason why
Smith had been commissioned to redo the new White House.
Traditional, with brilliant textiles and color choices,
rich, warm and inviting,
Smith's work made me want to stay the weekend
ALMOST as much
as the man who actually LIVES there.

Ahh... a girl can dream.

*although I couldn't take any photos of the house,
here is a sampling of some of my favorite Smith projects...

Design Stars, Part II

2009-03-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending

Angeleno Interior's WestWeek launch party
at my friend Peter Dunham's
Hollywood at Home, at Almont Yard in WeHo.

This adorable little courtyard houses some of my
favorite design shops in all the city-

Harbinger- Joe Lucas' shop, had a bamboo laquer dresser in GREY
that I was dying for,
Nathan Turner is FULL of amazing Ikat kidney pillows right now,

and of course Peter's incredible textiles- in a bunch of new blue shades-
had me rethinking my headboard.

This peacock/tea colorway of his amazing Kashmir Paisley is
completely delicious.

Please do check out his lovely shop in this tucked away corner of heaven.
I find it always makes me want to stay a while and have a cup of tea.

Design Stars...

2009-03-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

What a crazy week it has been.

The wedding went off swimmingly, and the move is nearly done...
(photos of both shortly)

Amidst all of the insanity, I managed to get to a party or two
to celebrate the beautiful art and design
of some remarkably talented people.
(More details to follow this week...)

Last Thursday (I know, that was nearly a WEEK ago) I had the
pleasure of meeting
a lovely young artist- Cameron Kelly- who was part of the
JB Blunk Residency Exhibition at Reform Gallery.

This amazing artist, who lives in San Francisco and works for an Interior Designer as a day job, had the most inspiring works, one that floored me the second I entered the gallery.

A HUGE Eucalyptus tree trunk, in gold leaf, on a
large violet piece of photo paper.
I'm obsessed.

This artist is one to watch, and I am having a smaller version
(the original is at least 6'x8')
commissioned by this rising talent.

Please do see her website, www.cameronkelly.net, for more inventive pieces
(a herringbone-skinned rock, perhaps?)

And visit my friend Gerard's Reform Gallery for more incredible
works of art;
The Sam Maloof rockers are to DIE for.

Stay tuned for more fabulous goings-on from
the inner sanctums of WestWeek!

Until then...

Why so Grey?

2009-03-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've got a new thing for the color Grey.

(I know a lot of people spell it grAy, but after reading a
great blog post about
the origins of the word, I've settled on grEy)

This past weekend, I painted the hardwood floors in my new cottage
Pigeon Grey by Benjamin Moore, and the
walls White Diamond- a slightly lighter hue.
I am so completely pleased with the result-
soothing and luxurious, completely refreshing.

Looking on some of my favorite blogs this week
(Habitually Chic and So Haute are the BEST),
I discovered I'm not the only one grey with envy,
and am happy to share some inspiring shots I found before
I got the chance to post my own.

Enjoy. Ahh...

To Catch a... few winks.

2009-03-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind weekend.

In preparation for moving AND coordinating a friends wedding,
I was a busy little bee.

Not only did I paint my floors- hardwood AND linoleum,
(yes, you can paint linoleum)
but I also planted 120 individual terra-cotta pots with herbs to use as favors.
(More on both later this week.)

After a hot bath,
(not only to decompress, but to scrub the navy-and-grey
splatter universe off of my limbs)
I sat down with a cup of tea and one of my favorite movies:
To Catch a Thief.

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, in gorgeous Monaco, in amazing homes,
wearing amazing clothes.
Yes Please.

This film inspires me on so many levels- the set decoration is incredible-
the detail and sophistication. I am obsessed with the costume design-
his striped boatneck and red scarf...

Her beautiful gowns...

The classic and timeless perfection of design soothes me.
I'll have plenty to dream about tonight.
Sweet dreams.

Silhouette-ahh.

2009-03-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

I'm having a thing for silhouettes again.

Portraits, dogs... African American history?

Kara Walker (b. 1969), is an African American artist who explores the history of racial injustice through, what else, the silhouette. Her room-size tableaux have been shown around the US, including MOMA, and she was named one of
Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2007.

Her exploration of the graphic and sometimes disturbing realities of
African American culture, done in such a traditional medium,
have me spellbound.

I find her images to be perfect, and am so grateful to have
stumbled upon yet another female artist who can
portray significant and controversial subjects with sophistication and elegance.

One can only hope to be so bold.

Kumquat Goodness.

2009-03-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

I'm coordinating a wedding for a dear friend.
The theme being trees, I initially thought I'd just use branches
in my normal floral centerpieces.

Until I stumbled upon Four Winds Growers.

This fourth-generation family-owned nursery, local to California, specializes in dwarf citrus trees, as tiny as 12" tall. I ordered a dozen of them for centerpieces, and they arrived, perfectly individually packed, in under 48 hours. Each 1-year tree is about $20 + shipping, and comes already with fruit. I cant wait to wrap each root ball in ivory linen, tie with a piece of thin rope, and place them as table centers at the reception.

A living, fruitful piece of life for guests to take home to remember this special day.

How fruit-uitous.

Welcome to Design Cupcake.

2009-03-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

S0 my first post is about, of course, the perfect design of the cupcake.
This blog is here to acknowledge the delicious little aspects of life and design that make me happy, and so there is really nowhere else to start then with the tiny little cake for one, embellished beautifully, all in one sweetly-papered package.

Sprinkles of course is my favorite- their frosting-to-cake ratio and superb colorful little disks make me swoon just thinking of them. But I have to give credit to Martha- her cover from February is too delectable to be true.

Hope you have a *sweet* day.