Well, the tablecloths for aforementioned dinner party didn't end up happening, so they are being returned to World Market (really an excuse to go buy more throw pillows). But I did end up deconstructing two simple Costco flower arrangements to create the simple yet elegant centerpiece for the dinner party.Please excuse the hideous black folding chairs. One day when everything else is done on my... Read more
Well, we stopped in to World Market the other day to purchase a table cloth for a dinner party, and what did we end up leaving with? An outdoor rug for our upstairs patio and a fun new pillow for the living room. I'm loving the pillow selection and prices at World Market. This is me contemplating purchasing them all....And this is the final product on the sofa. Just need to add something on the... Read more
You can call it simply "Black Eyed Susan Vine" or conjure it by its Linnaean classification:Family AcanthaceaeGenus ThunbergiaSpecies alata Variety “Superstar Orange"Thank you Carl Linnaeus, originator of the botanical Latin classification system that makes us feel a little stupid at the nursery. The brilliant Linnaeus was really quite shocking for his time: his idea of taxonomy was based on the... Read more
My dad kindly scanned this photo of me (right) standing for the first time aided by my parents' Ny Chair. See posting below. I would also like the point out the awesome sweater coat, glasses and wide leg trousers my mom is sporting. Read more
The Tortoise General Store is one my favorite haunts on Abbot Kinney. It's a great collection of Japanese housewares, gift objects, accessories etc. The pricing is reasonable and the owners have a great tounge in cheek sensibility with the items they select. I specifically love the Ny Chair. My parents had one of these back in the 70's and 80's and I learned to stand up by pulling myself up on... Read more
The 1st 8th Annual (don't ask me what that is supposed to mean) Grilled Cheese Invitational is happening this Saturday April 24th at Los Angeles Center Studios. So load up on the Lactaid and head on down to sample LA's finest cheese grillin'. Tickets are $10 and can be bought online Read more
On a recent episode of Dear Genevieve, Genevieve Gorder used some really schnazzy (yes, schnazzy) moroccan cement tiles to create a backsplash. She then created a homey foyer in another residence with mosaics from the same line. I have tracked them down to Mosaic Housein New York. I'm loving these two patterns - that happen to be on sale - for my own kitchen backsplash (although in 5 years when... Read more
Is starting to look quite cozy. The "Baby Poop" color on the walls really makes the drapes pop (Bernie and Katy, thanks for the drapes!) and the map ties it together. Read more
OK, so there isn't any thyme, but my new kitchen herb garden does consist of rosemary, lavendar, sage, oregano, mint, thyme, lemon mint, basil and peppers.BEFOREAFTER And some artichokes elsewhere in the yard. Not bad. Now planties, go on and grow.And check out the bed we planted next to the front stairs Read more
Ah, to be a child again. Well Simon Pillard and Philippe Rosetti two Paris designers decided to do just that. They started by building a lego chair and moved on to cladding their kitchen island in the small colored blocks - recently featured in Dwellmagazine. It lends a missoni-esque coloful vibe to their otherwise minimalist space. I think we can all take a cue from them and instill a little... Read more
OK, so I guess I'm on a bit of a garden roll. Just planted our herb garden this weekend which I will post pics of shortly. But check out this beautiful garden.... in person. This Sunday April 25 is the Open Days Garden Tour in Pasadena. Pay $25 to see six beautiful gardens or $5 each. It's a great way to get inspiration and tips for your own yard.You can purchase tickets online at The Garden... Read more
If your grass is ass then you should be in clover…or sedge. Or maybe a volute path of seashells, a collection of fruit trees, an art installation, a mixed media labyrinth of stone, pebble, perennials. After all, the 11th commandment is not "Thou shalt grow Bermuda grass lawns." Of course if it's geometric green perfection you crave in your front yard (as in this Howard Bjornsonphoto) then lawn... Read more