Clear Skies
It has been raining all week. Rain is what makes this place beautiful, but
it is also what makes this mama with little ones a bit crazy. So when
yesterday delivered a clear day, we took full advantage. After a couple
hours of tennis here in town, we hopped in the car and headed into San
Francisco with no plans in mind–just to enjoy the day and take in this
beautiful city. With no traffic we were there in quick 20 minutes.
We headed to Ocean Beach–because there is no other place I’d rather
be than near water. This beach is right in the city so it a little more
gritty–but it has it’s own special flair.
The children enjoyed the sand and running from the cold tide. I enjoyed watching them.
The sound of waves can relax me like nothing else–it gives Percocet
a run for the money. The light was amazing . . . golden, diffused rays.
A drive through beautiful Pacific Heights and a quick stop at the Palace of Fine Arts–built in 1912 for the World’s Fair.
It was going to be torn down but the city felt it was just too beautiful. Having read Devil in the White City last year, I understand a little more what went into creating these amazing fairs (I highly recommend this book).
We ended the day with Clam Chowder and Ice Cream at the Wharf.
It’s raining again today–but it’s all good. With yesterday’s
adventure under our belts–we’re happy to snuggle by the fire and dream
about our next clear day.
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At the request of Miss Melissa, a girlfriend who recently moved out
east (we miss you!), I want to share with you some of my design
resources. There are many great design blogs out there, by far my
favorite blog is decor8. The blog’s author Holly has amazing taste and is a WEALTH of resources about furniture, wallpaper, homes and Etsy artists. Other blogs I enjoy are Style Court and Absolutely Beautiful Things.
Magazines that I draw inspiration from are Domino and House Beautiful.
I’ve been loving House Beautiful lately because each issue they have a
section on paint colors–which I think is one of the toughest parts in
design.
Blueprint, a more youthful and modern mag from Martha Stewart is also really fun. It has lots of funky DIY projects.
And don’t forget that almost all the decor magazines have fantastic
websites with loads of photo galleries you can go through for
inspiration. In addition to the magazines listed above, check out HOME,
ELLE Decor and Cottage Living on-line.
A little bit of Rock and Roll
I remember my first concert–Donny and Marie Osmond. I was probably just about Sophie’s age. The anticipation, the lights dropping, everyone going crazy as my purple clad idols appeared on stage, all of it is quite clear in my mind.
I think much of it was the same for my Sophie and her cousin Emma when we saw Hannah Montana this past weekend in Las Vegas. They sang, screamed and danced their way through the concert. Hannah was fabulous, Miley was great. But the very best part? Seeing and experiencing it through the eyes of Sophie and Emma. I have been to many amazing shows by many amazing musicians. But this is one I will never forget.
Thanks to Brig for getting the tickets. And thanks to Kristin and Emma for a fabulous GNO weekend!
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In an effort to prove to myself I am still a creative and compelling person, each post I am going to pass on little pieces of interests or projects that have caught my fancy. Useless or useful, you decide:)
I adore beautiful, groovy fabric and am always looking for simple, creative ways to use them. Here are the cute notebooks I made for gifts this Holiday Season.
My girlfriend, Vanessa tweeked a pattern from Martha Stewart. They are really quite simple and make wonderful gifts. (For anyone who wants the specific measurements just let me know–I’ll put them in my comments)
New Beginnings
Ahhh, the new year. I adore the changing of the guard–the new perspective a new year brings. I have a plump little list of goals and changes for the upcoming year.
We celebrated New Year’s in Missouri. The kiddos and I flew in and my folks had Christmas waiting. All of the family gathered to celebrate Christmas a little late. We began the week with snow and ended it with 60 degree weather–CRAZY!
How funny that snow is now such a novelty for my California babes.
Gifts were opened, including the infamous bowling pin that is newly costumed and given to a different sibling each year. We have been doing this for almost 20 years now. This year it was adorned as my sister-in-law Krystal who broke her foot while jumping up and down in excitement of finding out she was pregnant. Poor thing–it has been a rough few weeks for the her.
The cousins played beautifully and the posse will be +2 next year.
Earlier in California, Christmas morning brought many wonderful gifts as well. Star Wars Legos, a race track and a karoake machine were among the favorites–although three hours later of children singing HS Musical 2 nonstop I was questioning this choice!
Sophie and I will be enjoying her big Christmas gift this weekend. We’re off to Las Vegas to see Hannah Montana in concert with her cousin Emma and Aunt Kristin.
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In an effort to prove to myself that I am still a creative and compelling person, each post I’m going to pass on little pieces of interest that have caught my fancy. Useful or useless, you can decide.
I wanted to share three female musicians that will drive away any January blues. They will make you HAPPY! Two of the three artists, Andrea Lindsay and Yael Naim are French (well, actually Yael is Israeli but French raised). The other, Ingrid Michaelson, is one you have most likely heard by now on the radio–but is really lovely. Side note: I was surprised today when the new Apple laptop the Macbook Air was unveiled (I’ve decided I NEED one of these beautiful babies) that Yael Naim’s song was featured in the ad. Enjoy!
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