Road Trippin'

And we're off, the car and kids are packed, the ipod is loaded with new tunes and the glove box is packed with lots of old CDs, we're hitting the road, heading up the California coast.  We've got the itch badly to travel again...here's to 3 day weekends!      

The Pink Bunny

Just when you think you've seen it all, you really haven't till you've seen the Pink Bunny entertaining all the pretty girls and boys of the hottest parties.  You can't miss him hoping around the DJ booth poolside at Wet Republic or Drai's Hollywood.  

Happy Easter Kids!!!

Glamour Obsession: Abstract Art

Today I am guest posting over on La Dolce Vita, read more about it here!!!  I'm also moving today and the movers will be here shortly.  I am a little sad and nostalgic, but very excited to be moving to a bigger place with more room for the 3 of us.  So many life changing events took place at this apartment on Montana and Bundy in Brentwood.  Getting engaged, starting this blog, getting laid off, getting married, finding a new career I love, getting pregnant, having a baby, going back to work, balancing work with motherhood, and of course entertaining and throwing lots of parties.  This place was really good to us, but it's time to move on and close this chapter of my life and all this change makes me really excited.  It's been so incredibly busy that my blogging has taken a backseat in my life, but I know I will have many new redecorating projects to keep me inspired and I hope you continue to read along and leave your little comments that make me so happy to read!     

Restoration Hardware: The Gallery

I miss West Hollywood (at times).  Back in the days when I worked at the PDC I used to walk down Robertson to the shops on Beverly Blvd. and just hang.  I rarely make it east past Beverly Glen these days since I work in Westwood.  So when I got the mega heavy new Restoration Hardware catalog for The Gallery, I was intrigued.... 

Once the flagship location for Williams Sonoma Home, the property has been converted into a one-stop shopping mecca for all things Home.  The back parking lot is now a stunning garden complete with hanging chandeliers.

Inside there are fabrics, paints, accessories, bedding, and furniture galore.  The dark gray and neutral palette seriously has me swooning!  

 There's an organic tea salon...

 and a fresh floral boutique...

 ...and of course, tons of beautiful pieces of furniture perfectly styled.

 This is by far my favorite room.  I'll take the giant chandelier and tufted sofas.  I seriously am eyeing the tufted Chesterfield.  

 ...and don't forget their bedding.  

I love the simple and clean lines of the sheets and duvets.  It's not fussy or prissy, and definitely has enough masculinity to balance the feminine lines of the furniture.  I am drooling over this bed.  I will definitely be making the trek over to WeHo soon to have a look for myself.

In My 'Hood

I've been meaning to write about Chris Barrett's Brentwood home that was on the cover of House Beautiful this summer, and here we are in Fall now and I figured, better late than never.  So here's the deal:  I about died when I saw this cover!  I walk by this house every time I take little Barron on our neighborhood walks (there's an adorable little 1200 sq. ft colonial style with a white picket fence on the same street listed for just under a million$ that I've had my eye on all summer).  So when I saw that front door with those crawling flowers I knew exactly which house was hers!

It got me thinking that I would love to live in a cozy little house, that was perfectly mapped out with little nooks to curl up in and read.  Everything has it's place and there's definitely no place for clutter and crap when you live in 1000 sq. ft, which I like.  I love a dining room that has built ins and lots of books.  It just creates conversation and thoughts and who doesn't love a banquette like the one above???

I love the dark rich woods and lots of white!  The perfect balance of texture and clean lines.  I would love to just lay here, light the fire and drink wine.

The kitchen is my favorite part by far!  The floor to ceiling subway tiles, white marble and dark cabinets are so homey.  Don't you just want to pick some oranges from the trees outside and juice them??  This is the California I love and this kitchen is the epitome of casual, healthy living that we love in California.

I love the open shelves with everything easily at hand.  I adore a white kitchen but this one makes me remember why I love dark rich woods as well.  There's something so earthy about this kitchen that feels really comfortable, yet refined and sophisticated at the same time.  It's romantic and I like that.

 White tufted bed and white sheets is perfection.

Dining al fresco year round with the cool breezes floating off the Pacific is what makes this whole picture perfect.  I can't describe to you how beautiful this neighborhood smells in the summer and winter.    There are fruit trees in everyone's yards, gardenias and night jasmines blooming, and the sun shines year round.  

The temperature rarely gets above 82 degrees and under 60, which (to me) perfectly justifies the million dollar plus price tag it costs to live in this adorable neighborhood.    

Sunday Funday

Peace out homies, we're off to soak up some sun on the beach, So Cal style!  I hope your enjoying the lazy summer weekend, my favorite time of year!  Tan lines and sun kissed hair are in full effect!  

Where I'm at Today: The Glam Lamb

Today I am guest blogging over at Hallie's fabulous blog The Glam Lamb!  Be sure to check out her new series "What's On Your Coffee Table."  Hallie was one of the first bloggers I met online!  This girl has some serious style and a great eye.  We always catch ourselves posting about the same things, and we always laugh how we are constantly thinking alike!  We both live in LA and even went to same college (University of Arizona - go 'Cats!)  Take a peek at one of my favorite daily reads and say hello to my girl Hallie!

Peonies

My new favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings is to walk little Barron in the stroller up to San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood.  First, we grab a grande coffee at the 'Bux and then we stop in for fresh flowers at Whole Foods.  For the last 2 weeks in a row, they've had pink peonies, my favorite flower.   

 Last weekend, I decided to splurge, and went for the $25 peonies!  There's a reason these babies are more money, they are absolutely wonderful!  I am beyond amazed at how gorgeous they are and each day the pink changes colors. 

They are now becoming more of a lighter coral pink.  It's so inspiring to find colors in nature that are so uplifting.  I am loving the energy they have brought into our home this week!

What's your favorite flower?

Crushing on Commune

I was first stopped dead in my tracks a few years ago when I saw this Hollywood home in Domino Magazine, designed by Commune Design, and have had it in my "dream home" folder ever since.  If someone was to ask me what my dream home looks like, this is the exact picture I would show them.    

I'm constantly browsing real estate websites in search of my dream starter home.  I look at so many and try to envision if they have the potential to be painted dark gray (or black) with white trim and many of them do.  For me, this graphic combo is it!  It's also so easy to do and recreate, yet you rarely see it.  I could totally see a valley Ranch style home or English Colonial in this combo.  

I love how versatile this combo is with many different architectural styles.  The addition of perfectly manicured hedges and crisp white planter pots is simple and chic.  I could totally see doing a yellow or red front door here too! 

For the backyard, I would definitely do chaises with big bold black and white striped cushions!  The water sculpture is beyond!  Seriously, so calming, peaceful, and serene.

Here are a few of my other favorites from Commune....

I am coveting that tan leather Chesterfield sofa!  Another thing to check off the list!

This chilled out Venice Beach pad is speaking to my inner Bohemian...

 ...and this Hollywood loft makes me happy with all the poppy colors!  Notice the yellow curtain?  I've been wanting to do yellow curtains in a room, reminds me of the sunshine pouring into the room!

 Again, I spy the leather Chesterfield and I really dig this Hollywood and Vine loft!

Images via Commune Design and Domino