A success!
June 2011
6.30.11
Stripe Skirts
I have a thing for stripes and I think these skirts by Anne M. Cramer are simply stripe-tastic!
6.29.11
Walnut Paperie and Nest Candles
I recently discovered Walnut Paperie and ordered these note cards with the striped interior envelopes. I think they are so simple and sweet. Also, recently, Nest Fragrances was so kind to send me their Beach candle and their Pineapple Mango scented candle. Both of which are currently burning in my house and making it smell like a tropical paradise!
6.28.11
Surf-Beach-Photos
I didn't know anything about LeRoy until this past weekend after I learned about his memorial tribute being held in Hermosa Beach. Turns out he was a pretty amazing guy who was really the first "surfing photographer" taking surf and beach photos back in the day before surfing magazines even existed.
LeRoy Grannis 1917- 20111969, LeRoy Grannis surfing Hermosa Beach with his Calypso amphibious camera, invented by another aquatic legend– Jacques Cousteau.
Here is a great article and some of his photos.
Here is a look at his memorial tribute held last weekend in Hermosa Beach.
6.27.11
Olive & Cocoa
Olive & Cocoa is one of the prettiest mail order catalogs I've seen. You can order on-line as well, but the catalog is so much fun to look at. They specialize in great gifts for every occasion that come wonderfully packaged in their signature wood box. It's an easy and thoughtful way to send a beautiful gift to someone. www.oliveandcocoa.com
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6.24.11
Thank You
Happy Friday everyone! I just wanted to take this day to thank all of you who stop here and take the time to read my blog. It means a lot and I am so grateful that you do. I find I'm writing more about my life than I first set out to, but my intent is still the same which is to bring attention to the wonderful people, places, and things of this area where I live. It makes my heart sing when I get emails, tweets, or comments about something you enjoyed on the blog. I love hearing from you. Now go and have a fabulous, laughter-filled, sunny weekend! Teri
6.23.11
Clean, Repair, and Sew
For dry cleaning draperies, I found JB French Cleaners in Culver City to be very good. They came highly recommended by someone who does a lot of sewing and handling of drapery fabrics (they also pick-up and deliver).
If you have denim new or old that needs patching, repairing, or taken-in, Ruff-Cut on Pico in Los Angeles does a really great job of making your denim last. For repairs, I just mail my item to them and they return it all fixed.
Redondo Beach has sewing classes! I haven't done this yet, but if you have a sewing machine sitting in your cupboard having never been used, this might be fun to try.
6.22.11
Nostalgia
There are times when I feel nostalgic for things that were once the norm and now are only found in old photographs, in piles at antique stores and flea markets, or are no longer considered necessary. My husband likes to say, "These are the good old days" to remind me that someday I'll look back at this point in time and say, "Remember when...." While I love email, digital photos, ipods, and the world at my fingertips, I somehow wish we could combine twenty-first century luxuries without forgoing things like handwritten letters, dressing for dinner, good manners, courtships, corsages, and hearing the sound of a needle on a record album.
Picture postcards from the 30s and 40s.
Chinn Lee's is no longer around, but this card was found by a family friend (my husband worked their back in the day).
I rescued these Kodak Brownie cameras from a pile at the flea market.
A handwritten note given to my husband from a 79 year Manhattan Beach resident who writes, "Are you aware that Manhattan Beach is the pearl of the Santa Monica Bay?"
I love that!
6.21.11
First Day of Summer
I didn't want this summer to go by before I had a chance to savor some of the things that make this season special. So, I went ahead and made a list of some summer-to-dos that I either normally wouldn't do, have always wanted to do, or never got around to doing.
1. Make a berry pie
2. Attend a "Concert in the Park" at Polliwog Park
3. Finish pending house projects
4. Find a great spot for a picnic
5. Read a good book (or two)
6. Go on a scenic hike
7. Enjoy the sunsets more often
8. Try out some restaurants on my ever growing list
What's on your summer-to-do list?
6.20.11
My Secret Garden
I want to share with you what is one of the best kept secrets of the South Bay and that is Boulevard Florist Wholesale Market. I've been going there for years mostly because I love flowers and making my own arrangements, but also because I don't have access to the downtown flower markets, so this is the next best thing. They are a full service florist as well as a wholesaler to the public. You can order bulk flowers in advance if you know what you want, or you can walk into the self-service refrigerator and choose what they have available. I have done both and I always leave with beautiful flowers that I can arrange as I like. If you have a little extra time and want a larger selection than what you might find at Trader Joes, at least stop by, check it out and of course...smell the roses.
Boulevard Florist is located at 14507 Hawthorne Blvd., Lawndale
6.17.11
Scenes from my week
It's been a successful week encompassing things like: shopping and lunch with a friend, my blog being mentioned (for the first time) on another blog, finding a talented someone to help me with Photoshop, and my husband deciding we're finally going to take a trip to Europe in the fall. There's a lot to do and life keeps me on my toes that is for sure. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. See you back here on Monday.
Flowers on my walk.
Lunch at home.
Dessert at home.
Stopped to see the pelicans on my way home from Malibu.
Had this to-die-for butterscotch pot de creme at Gjelina in Venice.
{banner via sweetestoccasion.com}
6.16.11
Summer Dinner
I have a few days so stay tuned, and I will let you know how it all came together.
{via:Polllen Floral Design, psmynameisphil.com}
6.15.11
A couple of things...
worth mentioning.
On May 13th, the Department of Parks and Recreation released their proposed list of park closures due to a $22 million general fund budget cut. This list may grow, depending on the Governor's May Budget Revision, so check back often. Don't Let Our State Parks Become Just a Memory.
You can take action here by sending your legislators a letter telling them that you do not support the closure of state parks.
And...
This local beach city charity event takes place July 16th. For tickets and more info click here. It's going to be lots of fun and will give great support to a wonderful cause.
6.13.11
Beach Bungalow 8
What I love about doing this blog is that I get an opportunity to meet people that in my normal "non-blogger" life I would not have. I pinch myself sometimes that I actually have a good reason to approach some very talented people and ask if they wouldn't mind talking to me about their life and business. I did just that recently, and Megan Arquette of Beach Bungalow 8 sat down with me for a chat. Megan was one of the first to start a design blog back in 2007, which says a lot for her innovation and creativity. So, for me, meeting Megan was equivalent to a celebrity encounter. Not only is she an inspired blogger, she's also a talented interior designer with an aesthetic I love, and her life encompasses all of the things I write about here. You can imagine my happiness when she answered a few questions for my blog. Over-the-moon!
Since you were one of the first to start a design blog, what inspired you at that time to begin, and what inspires you to keep going with it?
I think like so many of us, I needed a place to share all of the cool things that I’d find on the internet. I figured that if I created a forum of sorts, it would attract like minded people and we’d be able to revel in all that’s designery good and visually delicious. A friend of mine in SF had just started her own design blog (sf girl by bay) and encouraged me to give it a stab. She had me do a guest posting and I was hooked (the post was ridiculously long when I look back at it! I’ve learned along the way).
You’ve lived at the beach for about 10 years now, so how does this beach-city compare to others that you’ve been to/visited?
I have to say, this, it’s really, really beautiful. It took me about 2 years to not feel like I was on vacation everyday. The beaches here are pristine and the community cares so much about the environs. I have friends who grew up here and have never left, that speaks volumes. The downtown is just getting better and better, great shopping and new innovative restaurants top the list.
I do have one bug though, I think their should be a city council board that approves the architecture. The variance in design is great, but there are some really poorly designed/built houses around here that will look very dated in about 10 years. Good for the builders, not so good for the community. Actually, maybe they should just call me for the approval-I obviously have opinions : )
What design aesthetic is your favorite when it comes to beach living?
I tend to lean toward Traditional. I’ve spent a lot of time on Harbour Island in the Bahamas and they do it perfectly with the British Colonial vibe. This is a timeless style that can be made to be relaxed while still keeping a bit of elegance (google “India Hicks, harbour island” and you’ll see what I mean ). It can also handle a little humor and eclectic touches (Think:a small bathroom with fantastic paper like Cole & Son ‘Palms’ or David Hick’s ‘Fiorentine” in berry).
L.A. is a huge resource for designers, but what are some of your local go-to shops in the beach cities that you might find some interesting pieces?
Tabula Rasa for the best candle and soap collection and Gum Tree for unique home goods and jewelry. Waterleaf has great linens and wallpaper and fabric lines that are usually available only through a designer. I have to admit, I lurk Goodwill every so often to find a cast off piece of furniture to paint a great color (bright yellow, turquoise).
I know you've lived in and have a great love for San Francisco, what are your favorite shops and foodie places you like to visit when you go back?
Favorite shop for YEARS has been, Nest on Fillmore. Swallowtail on Polk for cool interior finds. Green Apple books, Seed Shop and Parklife on Clement street are great for clothes. Gimme Shoes for, duh, shoes. Food, wow, there’s always something new and out of this world popping up, I like old stand bys like, Brazen Head, Jackson Fillmore but love some of the new stuff in the Mission like Range. The new Cavallo Point Hotel has a great chef any of the food over there is delicious and thoughtful.
I found out via your blog that you do a Podcast called The Skirted Roundtable (which I’m going to start listening to), how did that come about and what sort of topics do you discuss?
Yes! I think it’s been 2 1/2 years now. We brain storm usually the day of. I have to say, Linda is usually the one who comes up with the best ideas. It’s usually based on what’s relevant in the design world and things we’re noticing people are discussing on Social Media venues like Facebook and Twitter. We also have a lot of luminaries from the design world that we interview, which has been this design junkie’s dream job!
You have a busy life with your business, husband, and children, so what’s a typical day-in-the-life for you?
Up at 7:00 make lunches, breakfast
8:00 off to make drop-off runs to school
8:30 run on the beach or hit the gym
10:00 am - 2:30 pm run to The Pacific Design Center, Venice, meet with clients, check in on jobs, orders etc.
2:45 pick up kids
4:00 at my computer blogging for an hour or so and answering emails
6:00 dinner with the fam.
8:00 crappy reality show to make me feel ‘normal’
10:00 in bed reading from the stack of Magazines next to my bed or scanning my iPad for blogging and design ideas.
Verrrrry glamorous as you can see. : )
Thank you Megan!
You can learn more about Megan at www.beachbungalow8.blogspot.com
Follow her Podcast The Skirted Roundtable
6.10.11
Oliovera
I'm so excited to bring you this post today. There are so many great new businesses popping up all over the beach cities it's hard to keep up. My friend Marsha led me to Oliovera in Hermosa Beach which is a quaint little shop that, "Specializes in the freshest and highest quality certified California extra virgin olive oils and vinegars..." Two sisters, Desi and Milena, have opened this shop and poured their heart and soul into it, which is evident from the attention to detail and their passion for what they sell. They and their shop are perfectly charming and make you want to come back for more. I urge you to take a little time to taste, chat, and smell the olive oil! You'll be so happy you did.
Oliovera is located at 200 Pier Ave, suite 206, Hermosa Beach
6.9.11
Lemon Scrub
Handmade gifts are usually the best kind, but I don't always come through with one because I haven't prepared soon enough. I thought this lemon-salt body scrub looked simple to make with only three ingredients, and could be personalized with any packaging or ribbon you choose. It smells great, is useful, and I think any recipient would be delighted you thought of it. I used this recipe here and found the cute glass bottles at Cost Plus. Easy as one, two, three!
6.8.11
A Good Day
The past couple of days we've had the most beautiful weather which has resulted in the ocean turning an amazing color of blue. I made myself go out and enjoy it while taking pictures and just feeling so grateful to live here.
Scenic view.
One of my favorite houses down the street.
King Harbor.
Perfect day for it.
Lunch from El Sombrero.
6.7.11
Natureba
My friend Laura told me about Natureba and how wonderful it is. I've passed by it often, but I've never thought to go in. When I stop during the day for a beverage, it's usually at one of the many coffee places here in the beach cities. I decided to forgo my usual caffeine drink and try out the juice blends at Natureba. Juicing has gained popularity recently and I know it is a healthier alternative to my love of coffee drinks. So, I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. You can get almost any kind of fruit or veggie blended to make a custom concoction, and they serve sandwiches as well. Switching things up every now and then can only lead to new discoveries, and that's a good thing. Right?
Natureba is located at 2415 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach
They deliver too!
6.6.11
Kitchen Face-Lift
We've been working on our kitchen since the beginning of the year and it's finally finished. Sometimes a little paint is all you need to completely transform a room. I took pictures to show the before, during, and the finished kitchen. We painted the cabinets a dark grey for a more contemporary look, we changed the counter and backsplash tile, we switched out the pendant lights, and...Voila! I think it looks like a completely different kitchen and changes the entire feel of our house. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.
This is what it used to look like.
During.
Finished kitchen.
6.2.11
Bouchon
We had such a delicious dinner last night at Bouchon in Las Vegas. My husband said the Poulet Roti (chicken) was the best he ever had. I couldn't pass up the Croque Madame with the French fries, which was also very good and worth every calorie. There are so many great restaurants to choose from in this town, it's nice to get a recommendation. We've been to the Bouchon in Beverly Hills and loved it, so we had some idea this one might be good as well. It's out of the way of the casinos and commotion tucked away on the 10th floor at the Venetian hotel. It's a nice getaway from what can be "sensory overload" here in Vegas.
6.1.11
