Journal

On Sept 5 John Derian introduces a new line of home decor and accessories for Target.  Love the nature inspiration. Read more

I'm thinking a long lunch might be in my near future now that I know about Mac & Cheeza downtown.It's like a customize your own mac and cheese bar.  You choose your size, your type of noodle, your meat veggie and topper.A little gluttonous but I'm willing to take one for the team and go try it.  And did I mention they deliver? Anyone been?  Let me know what you think. Read more

So our patio seems like it would be a beautiful oasis. But in reality in the mid-afternoon in the depth of summer, you have to hunch in the corner in the one shady spot to stay cool.  Umbrella to the rescue (yes, another joy of homeownership - see previous post).  I think we need a cantilevered umbrella and here is a roundup of a few options:Home Decorator's Collection  $179   Target  $449.99Walma... Read more

I would definitely do a room in Fromental's Chinoiserie wallpaper. I would go all out and do the hand embroidered version - so sumptuous!And there is something so catchy about this mod painted Klimt-ish version of a Chinoiserie called Psychadelica - not sure what that says about my taste though! Read more

Yup - Pasadena that is.We once again made the grueling uphill bike trek into Old Town Pasadena this past weekend and hit up Central Park Restaurant. It's right across from, well, Central Park, hence the name. And it does have sort of an East Coast vibe. I had the breakfast Panini. It looked sort of sad on the plate with no garnish and just a meager fruit bowl to accompany it, but I gotta say, that... Read more

So my a friend of mine in Chicago just bought a new house has asked my advice on furnishing.  She is coveting this bed from DWR but is thinking her hubby won't be too keen on the $2500 price tag. So I helped her come up with a few alternatives.$318 from Chiasso  $600 total from West Elm$1200 from Room & Board$1500 from Room & Board$899 from CB2 Read more

 I'm thinking a Fiddle Leaf Fig (perhaps with a uplight behind it) would look quite dramatic in this corner of our living room.  Question though - where do you find one that isn't ridiculously expensive.  Rolling Greens had one for 200 bucks -  that seems a little much for a house plant, no?  Any ideas would be much appreciated Read more

So Friday of next week (the 13th - yes....it's Friday the 13th) is my Birthday.  I believe there is a whole weekend of festivites being planned including a downtown date night.  But for those of you unlucky enough not to be invited on said downtown date night (that would be everyone except me and my husband), there is Chinatown Summer Nights every Saturday night in August. I think I might hit it... Read more

Christina Brian of Full House posted this wonderful photo of Iris Apfel by Bruce Weber.  One day I hope to be half as stylish as her at her age.  Boy do I have a long way to go to get there! Read more

On Monday we received Mr. Bear from Mona Cordell (Scott's Aunt).  He is wonderful and makes me happy.  We are still trying to find him a suitable home.  For now he is hanging in the study.  Thanks Mona! Read more

I've been coveting Jonathan Alder's X Bench for a while. Two of them would look pretty nice at the foot of our bed.  However at a starting price of $495 a pop - it'll be a while before we can afford them.  This Ballard Designs option is much more reasonable at $179 plus fabric (this Duralee version would look nice) Read more

Those of you who know me know that I do NOT have a sweet tooth.  In fact, quite the opposite.  So I wasn't the most excited person to find out that Rocket Fizz, the renowned Soda and Candy shop had opened an outpost on Green Street in Pasadena.  However, I have to say, I was impressed. It's not your typical candy shop. In fact, I would say it is more soda-centric than candy. And there is quite the... Read more