SNAPSHOTS FROM MARIN

As always, our time in Marin was magical and exactly what we needed. I had been aching for some fall weather and had even considered flying to New York to see the leaves change. After searching for flights, we realized it was not a good time financially with the holidays around the corner. We decided to make the best of it and find adventure slightly closer to home. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to recharge your batteries and it doesn't hurt if it's as beautiful as this.  

BABY LOVE

I had truly an amazing day at Lilly's baby shower in Ojai this past weekend. Grandmother to-be Mary thought of every detail, it couldn't have ben more beautiful. She even made those adorable centerpieces herself!

We were all chatting at the shower about how much can change in a year, and it's crazy to think how much has changed for Lilly. She got married, had her 30th birthday and now she is having a baby! Lilly is my oldest friend in the world, and it has been a pleasure to see her though such monumental moments. If you'd like to take a look back at some of them, I will be posting links at the bottom.   


Links
photos of me by lauren and kate

SNAPSHOTS FROM WINE COUNTRY

wearing: 
kenny dress
vintage loafers {etsy}
rayban clubmasters
vintage necklace
wendy mink and catbird rings
vintage and forever 21 bracelets

This past Saturday, my friend's Jacqui, Holley and I drove up to the Santa Ynez Valley for a little wine tasting adventure. It's only a 2 & 1/2 hour drive from LA, but just far away enough that it still feels like a getaway. We only went for one night, but it felt so nice to get some girl time in and be surrounded by so much beautiful scenery. We stayed in Solvang, which is the Danish capitol of America. It happened to be the centennial and the Danish Days Festival while we were there, so we made sure to take in a little Danish culture. In our short time away we visited a handful of wineries, had our fair share of pino noir, and ended our night at The Hitching Post {you might remember it from the movie Sideways}. Now that I know how easy a drive it is, I hope to make it back very soon.

SNAPSHOTS FROM LAUREN'S STUDIO PARTY


My friend Lauren of the sphinx and the milky way and Spencer Studio had a fun all girls get together this past weekend in her art studio. Everyone had to bring a mix cd of their creation, one for each guest. Such an amazing idea, right?! Not only did I adore spending time with all ten lovely ladies {including lilly and kate}, but I got to take home a bunch of new music. I think this should be a regular event.


*make sure to head over to lauren's blog for more photos of the party- including a few of me!

A DAY IN THE BAY

OK, these photos weren't all taken in one day, more like two. They are from last weekend in Marin. One of the days we went to Berkeley to see one of James' sister's for an early dinner. The east bay's adorable craftsman's and shops feel so neighborhood-y- something I wish there was a little more of in Los Angeles. On the next day, we got Kumamoto oysters and PranQster's at Hog Island. I can't stop thinking about the kumamoto's light and buttery flavor. Later we went to see James' other sister in Petaluma for lunch. I fell in love with the historical victorian homes and lush gardens. To end our day, we drove to the headlands- one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We explored the center for the arts, a place I had seen in photos and knew was right up my ally. We ended our full day of exploring the bay by walking around the woods near the golden gate bridge. The sun was setting and the light through the trees was cinematic and gorgeous. All in all it was quite a full weekend. Not unlike this one. 

How was your holiday weekend? Mine was full of indulgent food and awesome music, two of my favorite things. My birthday was very low key, but perfect. I promise to share more soon! 

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE RANCH

We are back from our lovely long weekend in Marin and I am equal parts happy to be home and sad to not get to wake up to this beauty every morning. These are photographs of James' families ranch. Everything was in bloom and and the air smelled deliciously sweet. In case you are curious here are my photos from the last time we were there in June.

This trip was very last minute, as we decided early friday morning, to leave the same day. It ended up being quite a busy weekend, probably busier then we had expected- staying at the ranch in Point Reyes, seeing friends in Santa Cruz, J's sister in Berkeley and another sister in Petaluma. I have lots more photos to share, my favorites probably being from The Headlands- a magical place I fell deeply in love with. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM OJAI

Our good friend's Afton and Phil came with us to Ojai this past weekend, which made our trip all the more fun. We were lucky enough to spend our saturday lounging and laughing at a friend's pool. The property is so breathtaking, everywhere you turn there is beauty {see more photos here}. I can't remember the last time I felt more relaxed and happy.


wearing:
red carter maillot
zara shorts
j. crew shirt
h&m hat
ray-ban aviators

SNAPSHOTS FROM MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Usually I wouldn't post two photo spreads back to back, but it has been one of those weeks. I had a serious scanner fail in the middle of a very important job that resulted in lots of stressed out phone calls to my tech guy. After long hours in front of the computer and a borrowed scanner, it is all fixed and I can breath again. 
Today I thought I'd share a few photos I took of my family's house in Martha's Vineyard. This place really makes me happy, with all it's coziness and nautical details. One of these days I'd love to shoot the whole house because it really is charming. Speaking of charming- love this photo of James looking handsome as we watched the sunset off the deck. Looking through these photos it's almost as if I'm there.  

SNAPSHOTS FROM OAK BLUFFS

Oak Bluffs is a sweet town on the northeast side of Martha's Vineyard. It is known for having the oldest operating carousel in america and the most adorable victorian houses called "gingerbread cottages." They are all painted the most fantastic colors and form a circular pattern around a theater like building, knows as the tabernacle. If you have never been to the island and are looking for a fun time to go- I recommend the third week in august. Every year since 1886 the gingerbread cottages put on "Illumination Night", where all the houses display lit chinese and japanese lanterns. Many of the lanterns have been passed down from generation to generation , it is truly a breathtaking sight.
  
After a family dinner one night, we all took a stroll around the cottages and I managed to snap a few photos before the sun went down. I just love thinking about all the people who have lived in these homes and all the history they have seen. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

 
Our first day in San Francisco was cloudy and cold. It felt more like winter then summer, but we were so happy to be there, it didn't seem to matter. Afton took me to Dottie's True Blue Cafe for brunch, obviously a popular spot since we waited in line for an hour {totally worth the wait}. After our bellies were full, we walked around the city. My love affair with typography came out as I couldn't stop photographing the vintage signage of San Fran. 

On day two the sun came out along with a slight breeze. We headed to Tartine for what was the best sandwich {spicy turkey} and banana cream tart of my life. I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from a James Beard award winning pastry chef. I now feel jealous of all you San Franciscans that get to eat at Tartine whenever you like. It will forever be on my list of musts when I visit. After lunch we walked to Dolores Park, went vintage shopping in The Haight and then ended our last evening at The Buena Vista for Irish coffees. Sounds pretty great right? It was such a fun trip thanks to Afton, who knows and loves the city so well.

MARIN

Tomorrow the boy and I are off to Marin County {his hometown} for a friend's wedding. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to a change of scenery. It's a short trip, especially since we are driving, but hey I'll take it. Marin is truly a magical place. When you're there you can't help but fall a little deeper in love with our planet. I plan on taking lots of photographs to post next week, but for now, here are a few outtakes from our last visit {the original posts I & II}...
 
Check back tomorrow for a "sweetest day" from someone very special to me. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. xx

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE BAKE SALE FOR JAPAN

The bake sale for Japan was a huge success! We practically sold everything and there was A LOT. Drum roll please...we made a total of $2,369 {including a couple donations}. Half will be going to The Red Cross Japan Relief Fund and the other half to Shelterbox. 

It was so fun to be together and reach out to the community. My fleur de sel caramels were a hit if I do say so myself. I even bought back a bag for myself as well as one of the adorable terrarium donated by Lauren's neighbor. Everyone's baked goods and sweets were out of this world delicious. I was also so impressed by the packaging. Everyone really made their treats look special. 

Thank you to everyone who came out and donated or supported the sale. Thank you to Lauren, Lilly, Kate, Owen, Marwa and Lizzette for making it a day to remember! Make sure to check out Lauren's blog and Lilly's blog for more photos...     


wearing:
club monaco top
joie Pants
urban outfitters head scarf
vintage necklace first seen here
stud earrings like these
rayban clubmasters 
mps flats

SWEET THINGS

A new year is quickly approaching and instead of sharing my latest fashion or home design obsessions this last week of 2010, I thought I'd share some photographs of "sweet things" that put a smile on my face make me feel thankful...


  • the sky in los angeles after the rain stopped




  • the rose that greets me at my front door


  • the way the light hit this little patch of grass and clovers


  • the intoxicating smell of an orange blossom
  • this perfect little feather on a dirty downtown sidewalk


  • the deep purple of a fresh olive and the dusty green of the leaves






until tomorrow my sweets xx

SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY

I had so much fun at our holiday party this past weekend. I was too busy talking to friends to remember to stop and take photos, but I got a few quick ones in of the spread before people arrived. 
James ended up bringing the camera out much later in the night and between him and the extraordinary Jesse B. I have some fun pics to share. I only wish I had captured more of my friends throughout the night! I have a HUGE smile on my face in every photo, so I must have been having a blast. We didn't manage any full outfit photos, but I am wearing a lovely Rebecca Taylor number I promise to photograph again...


lilly/kate/james/jesse b./phil/lauren/jesse

Loving all the beards and tartan!

ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

Christmas!


Oh my, this week seriously flew by. I am having a little Holiday soiree this weekend and I have been a busy bee, decorating the house and grabbing any last bits and bobs. I do love having friends over during the holidays. There is something about the colder nights, I just want to light a fire in my fireplace, drink peppermint hot cocoa and socialize with friends.
I just put the finishing touches on my house. Here it is, decorated for the holidays...

{holiday decor from target, kmart, 99 cent store, trader joes, kate's paperie, hand me downs}




Happy Weekend Everyone!!! xx

SNAPSHOTS FROM THANKSGIVING

I had such a wonderful Thanksgiving at home in Ojai. It's so important to stop and think about all the things you are grateful for. Some close friends came up with us and shared in on the fun. We played games, ate delicious food and took a sunset walk around our friend's beautiful property...

{the gorgeous Thanksgiving tablescape}
{with my dear friend Teissia, who I am grateful to have known since high school}

After dinner I went around photographing all the dogs I am practically auntie to. They each have such a distinct personality...
{Madge}
{Arthur}
{Roxy}
{Marvin}
{Lulu}

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving! xx

SNAPSHOTS FROM HALLOWEEN

This Halloween I dressed up not once but twice. At 3pm on Saturday afternoon I scrambled to figure out a costume. The boyfriend and I had decided to go as Ferris Bueller and Sloan ages ago, but we just couldn't get it together in time. I looked through my closet and knew I had some stuff to work with (e.g. long black gown, bandleader jacket), I just needed to get creative. Inspired by The Cherry Blossom Girl and Pandora, I turned myself in to two Disney villains, all with stuff I already had. I just needed a few accessories. A quick stop at the corner vintage store and Halloween store and voila'...

Cruella De Vil


Captain Hook