Little Mrs Do It All!

Did you know?

2010-10-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

That Little Miss Do It All is no longer? Well that's because the all new....

Van Rozeboom Interiors Blog

is NOW

up and running!!!!

So please head over and check it out!

www.vanrozeboom.com/blog

Off to greener pastures!

2010-10-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

See ya later Blogger! I've moved "Little Miss Do It All" to my all new Wordpress blog..Van Rozeboom Interiors Blog! So if you had been wondering why I had not written on here in a while you will see when you visit the new blog. Make sure you update your feed...I wouldn't want you to miss a thing!

Oh, and did I mention there's a giveaway!

Well..

HURRY OVER!

Front door style

2010-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Our front door needs a pick me up! Can you guess what color I'm considering?

www.salvo.co.uk

welovedomino blog

Brown Design Inc.

Here is our door currently. I KNOW it looks pretty blue in the picture, but in person it appears more dark gray/brown. For some reason the camera really brings out the blue more.

And here are the colors I'm considering...

BM Buxton Blue HC-149

BM Jamestown Blue HC-148

BM Newburyport Blue HC-155

BM Mozart Blue 1665

Which one would you choose?

Fall Color

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

When I picked the kiddo up from preschool yesterday she proudly handed me her latest Picasco-esque painting done in all orange. She exclaimed happily upon doing so, "Mommy I like orange, do you like orange? Orange is the best color. What color do you like? I like Orange!". I of course started cracking up!

Orange was never even ON my radar until I met my husband in 02'. It was one of his favs and it ended up being one of our wedding colors too. Obviously now, it's hot and I love it! Orange is everywhere! Have you thought about using it in your home? It can be incorporated with other colors to really give a look that POPS!

Crisp orange paint against white wainscotting. And those black framed botanicals..so pretty!

Turquoise and orange. Can't go wrong with that color combo!

Queen of color..Tobi Fairley! Love those side tables.

Neutrals with shots of orange- Coastal Living

Unexpected pairing...eggplant and orange! via Hilary Thomas

Lovely home items in orange that have been on my radar lately. Any of these pieces would help infuse this warm comforting color into your homes' palette!

Style Constants- Part Two

2010-09-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday friends! Hope you enjoyed last weeks' part one of my take on Rebecca Moses' Style Constants! I know I was GOING to do Part Two the very next day, but the crazy heat wave that hit us over the weekend here in So Cal along with a lot of little cleanup project around the house, sort of threw me off track! I did get a few emails asking where the items could be purchased. As stated in the first post, all the items shown can be purchased through me...just email shelly@vanrozeboom.com.

Now onto the rest of the items that your home should have, to stay stylish for years to come......

Jameson Wingchair starting at $849.00

Less 10% through VR Interiors!

Feather and Script Needlepoint Pillow Reg. $118.00

VR Interiors Price $106.00

Yellow and White Zig Zag 20" Pillow $35.00- Thislittlehome on Etsy

Apple Green Zebra Print 16" Pillow $23.00- Thislittlehome on Etsy

Tufted Ottoman with turned leg $897.00

Iron and reclaimed wood coffee table $1400 through VR Interiors

White Aged Side Table $418.00 through VR Interiors

Antique Gold Iron Wheat Table with Beveled Glass Top $199 through VR Interiors

Chunky Mist Throw-Pinecone Hill

Through VR Interiors $109.00

Velvet Champagne Throw-Pinecone Hill

through VR Interiors $159.80

Glass Taper Holder $30.00 through VR Interiors

Set of Leather Bound Books $50.00

Can be purchased HERE!

Leather James Chaise $1460.00 through VR Interiors

Aqua Distressed Geometric Screen $1508.00 through VR Interiors

Natural Wood Carved Screen $454.00 through VR Interiors

Silverleaf Ring Screen $1179.00 through VR Interiors

Hunt Club Porcelain Trophy $45.00 through VR Interiors

Antique Silver Trophy with Handles $125.00 through VR Interiors

Whew! I'm tired! So many options to choose from that I had a hard time narrowing it down. I left out a few elements from the Style Constants, but touched on the main ones (and the ones that didn't get scanned poorly in the crack of the magazine!).

By the way, did you see Fridays' post? Van Rozeboom Interiors store is in full swing now! I will be adding new items from time to time, so check back often.

We've got a store up in here!

2010-09-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well boys and girls, it looks like I'm taking a leap on a new venture. Van Rozeboom Interiors is opening up a little retail store (online for now) and we'll see where it takes us! I will be featuring new items every so often, so please check back here for updates! Please contact me HERE to place an order, find out more information or to get a shipping quote!

Here are the new arrivals....

Garden Stool - Comes in White, Celadon, Light Blue, Pea Green, Cobalt Blue, Orange

*Put one next to the tub, use as an accent table, or put on the patio for fun accent outside!

Dimensions:13"W x 13D"x 17"H

Please contact me for color swatches!

$200.00

Blue and White Garden Stool with Landscape Design

*Gorgeous cobalt blue and white pattern makes this ceramic stool really stand out!

Dimensions: 13X13X17

$200.00

Blue and White Chinese Tea Jars

*A must for any classic beach house! Great in bookcases, on a console table, just about anywhere in your home.

Dimensions:8"W x 8D"x 13"H

$120.00

Large Rectangular Flower Basket

*So pretty on a dining room table with fresh fruit. Use to hold linens in a bath or magazines in the family room. Large and durable!

Dimensions: 27"x17"x11"

$150.00

Set of Leather Bound Books

*What to do about that big ol' bookshelf with no books! Here's your solution! Make your shelves look like all the magazines. Fill them with these aged leather books for an instant dose of DESIGN!

* Discount with more than 2 sets purchased!*

$50.00

Glass Vase wrapped in natural or white burlap

*What a steal! Sooo pretty on your dining room table during the holidays, or any time of the year. Use an assortment of sizes scattered around for real impact! Gives your home that casual rusticness that mixes and matches with any decor.

Comes in three sizes:

Petite 3"x4" $7.50 each

Small 3.5"x4.25" $10.00 each

Medium 4.74"x6" $18.75 each

Wood Pulley-Natural

*Need an instant dose of style in your abode? This is it! One or a couple of these set on a pile of books on a side table would look chic! Add a bunch of pulleys in a woven basket for a funky accessory.

5"x2.5"x7"

$46.25 each

Zinc Placecards- Set of 6

*Add a little fun to your dinner party table! Or use on a buffet table to tell your guests what each dish is. Use at a wine party to label cheese or wine.

Size: 2"x1.25"x3"

$18.75 each

Galvanized Metal and Glass Hurricane

*Pretty, pretty, pretty! Rustic chic to be used anywhere in or out of the home. Use a few of these on a long table for real impact! Or add them to your fireplace mantel.

Size 5"x15.5"

$30.00 each

TO PURCHASE ANYTHING SHOWN

PLEASE EMAIL:

shelly@vanrozeboom.com

*We do not charge sales tax for any purchases, except those shipped to California. Purchases shipped to California residents will be charged 8.75% sales tax. Because we are located in California, we are required by law to charge sales tax in this state.*

Style Constants- Part One

2010-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

October 2010 issue of House Beautiful featured an article on fashion designer Rebecca Moses' A Life of Style. In the book her adorable watercolor paintings feature her ideas on style constants. They are those things you can have in your home for years that will always be stylish and classic!

House Beautiful October 2010

Here's how each of those elements would translate in my world. Everything featured is available through Van Rozeboom Interiors. Please contact me for additional information or to order!

Thomas O'Brien Derrick Tower Lamp $630.00

Classic Acorn Urn Lamp $405.00

Slipcovered Emily Sofa-starting at $1500

Vanilla Glazed Small Rope Ceramic Stool $400

Blue and White Wedding Jar $200.00

Ilyrian 33" Convex Mirror in Antique Gold by Reflecting Design $539.00

Gaston Desk $895.00

Aqua Distressed Faux Bamboo Writing Desk- $870.00

Dominique Bergere Armchair with cane back $796.00

2 Seat X Bench $283.00

Bench with four drawers $998.00

Double Twist Wall Sconce in Antique Brass $399.00

Sunburst Wall Sconce $616.00

Hope you enjoyed Round One of my version of Rebecca Moses' Style Constants. Everything featured can be purchased through Van Rozeboom Interiors. Check back tomorrow for the rest of the article selections!

What a STEAL!

2010-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

I love that my adorable husband is now becoming a big yard sale, estate sale, flea market, picker....like me! Last Saturday he got up bright and early to hit the beach for a little surf session. About 15-20 minutes after he took off I got a text message from him with this picture....

Sweet chairs! I LOVE wingback chairs and I LOVE seagrass anything...and the good ol' honey knew that. What a guy! He said he was going to make an offer on them and that was all the text said. About 15 minutes later he drove up the driveway with the chairs in tow. He popped out of the chair and said, "You will NEVER guess how much I got these for!". My bargain hunting sweetie got these chairs in fabulous condition for $50 bucks EACH! We flipped them over immediately to check for a manufacturer and sure enough...Pottery Barn..which go for $449.00 new!

Pottery Barn

I think the boy did good, real good. Not sure what we are going to do with them yet. I might keep them or put new cushions on them and sell them or use them in a clients' home. But for $100 a pair of chairs this good had to be brought home!

there goes my baby

2010-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Ellie with her sassy new page boy hair cut/bob and her pink polka dot backpack!

Who knew that this stay at home mom for the last three years, would have such a hard time sending the little one off to preschool two days a week. Ellie started preschool today. She is going to have a BLAST....that is for sure! And I will finally get two days a week to work, get things done, maybe have lunch solo..or get a mani/pedi!! Ok, now I'm giddy.

Sending the little one off...this was before I finally teared up.

Now friends, it's not like I NEVER did any of those things before. It's just that I use to have to hire a sitter or ask my mom to watch her while I did any of those things. Now it's different. She'll be learning, meeting new friends...etc. etc.

On another note...we are also leaving this afternoon for a little getaway this Labor Day weekend. The tot is going to Far-Mor and Far-Far's house (that's Grandma and Grandpa is Swedish). And we...ahhh..we are going to the Central California coast, Morro Bay to be exact to spend the weekend at the in-laws beach pad. Wine tasting in Paso Robles, surfing in Morro Bay, long hikes with our black lab, lazy breakfasts at a cute little cafe we like to go to... Sounds like just what we need right now!

Hope you all have something fun planned to celebrate this holiday weekend or at the very least, have a great time relaxing and doing nothing! That sounds pretty darn good too. I'll be sharing highlights from our trip with you very soon.

FALL....ing in love with Fall

2010-09-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

It's sort of unfortunate that we are just now...in LATE August...getting Summer weather in good ol' (normally warm) Southern California. My mind is just not into anymore. I want boots, snuggly blankets, comfort food, and cozy interiors.Then the newest J. Crew catalog popped into my mail the other day. Wowzers..hold me back! I want everything in it!

The sweater, the cute furry scarf thing, the antique looking necklace, the neutral cords..and THOSE HEELS! In the words of Rachel Zoe..I DIE!

First off, I only wish I looked that good in a pair of skinny jeans. I mean...I look pretty decent, but I love food and (God help me!) I LOVE wine..so I don't look as good as "skinny bones jones" does in the pic below. I know, I know...she's too skinny..blah blah blah. She is a bit, but she looks good. Well, in the picture at least.

OK, so back to what I was talking about..... jacket= CUTENESS, the sloppy sexy hair, and the tomboy outfit all topped off by those cute mary jane heels!

Here we go again with those HEELS! But this time they are patterned! And I'm LOVING the forest green riding pants with the zippers. Again, not sure I can pull this off, but I really, really want to try it out!

Then there is this cute skirt that Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere wore....love! But of course, wouldn't ya know...it's sold out now!

Are you coveting any of the Fall fashions you've seen lately?

Garden shop heaven!

2010-08-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on a little family trip to Roger's Gardens down in Newport Beach. I'm pretty into gardening these days and I've been told by more than a few people, "Oh my gosh, YOU haven't been there yet?". No, I hadn't...until last week! I'm glad we finally went!

Seriously, I was not expecting shopping for plants to be a fun experience for the whole family. But this place is GORGEOUS beyond belief. You could probably throw a wedding in this place it is THAT pretty. Here are some pics from our little trip...

Beautiful hanging baskets.

How pretty would these glass balls look in the garden OR in a bowl on your cocktail table?

Quite possibly my very favorite part of the whole store...hydrangeas in deep blue!

Showing the flowers to my budding mini gardener.

Absolutely stunning for your front door.

This tree was just stunning in person with all the brightly colored baskets hanging from it! A dinner party underneath would be so fun!

The Anglophile in me just can't get enough of fresh, green topiaries and lots of ivy.

On closer inspection I realized these lovely bouquets are FAKE! See, there are SOME realistic looking silk flowers. But they're hard to find and usually quite pricey...as they proved to be!

The kiddo really wanted to bring this cool owl home with her. I can't blame her..too cute!

Pretty succulents in terracotta containers.

And at last, the English rose that will end up in our garden very soon! An Abraham Darby rose...so English sounding.

Life is sweet...

2010-08-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

and I owe it all to this guy!

Six years ago today I got to wear the pretty white dress....

to walk down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams...

And this quote that was in our wedding fortune cookies
couldn't be more true of our relationship.

Even now.

Happy Anniversary Hubby!

6 years

and

going STRONG!

One year later...bathroom redo reveal!

2010-08-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm ashamed...very ashamed. Almost one year ago I wrote about our upstairs kid/guest bathroom that needed a MAJOR remodel when we moved in. The plan had been to just rip down the horrible Tommy Bahama circa 1995 wallpaper and paint. Well, I ripped down the paper and found some serious water damage underneath it in the process. That started a full scale redo of the room. I will admit...I'm still not really done. I have to still get the one tile left to finish the shower/bathtub and also tile to finish the tile on the floor in the doorway. Lazy I tell ya...or at least that's what my husband mentions to me almost every other week! I'm on it Reed....PROMISE!!!!

BEFORE

AFTER

I will tell ya...we were on a TIGHT budget during this project. We were trying to get it well under $10k but since I have a small fetish for some expensive tile (I can't help myself!)...well we had to be creative with the other elements. Here is the breakdown of this area:

1. Countertop:Carrera Marble (seriously found an amazing deal!)

2. Sinks: Kohler Devonshire

3. Faucets: Grohe Seabury

4. Lighting: PB Mercer in satin nickle finish

5. Medicine Cabinets: Restoration Hardware Framed Inset Medicine Cabinet (got for 20% off!)

6. Towel Rings: PB Mercer in satin nickle finish

7. White Plates: Two's Company (have had FOREVER and finally had a place to put them in our new home!)

8. Rugs and Towels: Restoration Hardware baby and child- on MAJOR sale last Christmas!

9. Step Stool: Target

10. Floor Tile: Dal Tile Small Hex with platinum grout

11. Crystal Knobs: Restoration Hardware

Here is a shot of the other side of the room..

We kept the existing toilet since it was in great condition and didn't need to be replaced. I think I would like to replace the recessed light with a normal flush light. Please excuse my dumb light bulb. I need a new recessed light in there! I'm also not too keen on the shower curtain...Any suggestions?? I like the spa feel in here, but since it's my 3 year olds' bathroom I sort of want to put something more fun. White and ruffles maybe? Not sure yet. I had my tile guys expand the little area in the shower for soap and shampoo. It was just a hole before and I know when Ellie is a teenager it will need to fit shampoo, soap, skin stuff, razors, bath bubbles...you get the picture. Here is the breakdown of this area.

1. Shower/Tub tile: Ann Sacks (I plan on doing it half way up all around the room in the future!)

2. Shower Curtain: Tar-jay

3. Vintage Metal Doc Sign: Found in the desert of California on the side of the road!

4. Trashcan and Toiletpaper Holder: HomeGoods

5. Shower Faucet: Grohe Seabury ( Cannot recommend this line enough!)

5. Wall Color: Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments

And now here's where I show you the part of the room that is very NOT finished. I've been stumped since day one with this corner. At first I put a towel bar on the big blank wall near the vanity, but first off...it wasn't long enough, and second I just wasn't feeling it. Here it is...you'll see what I mean.

So I ended up realizing that guests and my little one are not going to fold their towels nicely on a rack. It never happens. And I'm a neat freak, so I had to minimize my stress. I went to Antho and picked up some vintage looking coat hooks for the towels instead. Yes, I'm going to take down that God awful towel bar, but friends...HELP PLEASE...what do I do there? I have soo many ideas, but even interior designers get stumped on projects. Do I do a series of prints here, or maybe one big print? Add a small chair in the corner?

So what do you think friends? I'd LOVE your help here. I should probably go get that tile this week eh? Hubby is about to kill me! hee hee.

Office Improvements!

2010-08-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine told me a month or so ago, "I really love your blog, but you just don't write nearly enough for me". She's right...I know! But dear readers I'm still juggling being a stay at home mom to a very active three year old and trying to work AT THE SAME TIME. I'm crazy. I know it. But I see the light in the distance...PRESCHOOL starts the beginning of September for the little Ellie belly! Whoo hooo! She's going to love it. I'm going to love it. I'll hopefully get more ~~work~~ blogging done. It's a win win for both of us.

But things have been happening over at the Van Rozeboom abode! I have been hard at work organizing and designing my home office. Since we're on a budget I have been really trying to keep things cheap and under budget. This my friends, is NOT an easy task for me. I love to shop...that's probably half the reason I got into interior design and I love nice things. Let's be honest, we all do don't we ladies? Hee hee. So I've been going round and round on what direction I wanted my office to go. I wanted it to flow with the rest of the house..updated but not stuffy traditional, a dash of cottage, beachy...you get the picture. My first real solid idea was to get this desk:

But even though it is a reasonably priced desk I still felt like I could find something on Craigslist at a much better deal. And I did! I found this:

Seriously, how cute is this desk!? And I love the way the seller totally styled the desk before posting up on CL. I would have bought the lamps too if she hadn't already sold them. So, at just under $200 I picked up this clean lined cutie for my office. It was a perfect match to my roadside find, free bookcases which my wonderful hubby painted white for me! What a doll!

He wasn't so happy that I was posting this photo, since the day he decided to spray the bookcases for me it was HOT...really, really hot! He borrowed my gardening hat to protect his already sunburned neck. I was cracking up when I walked outside and found him in it. But in any case the ugly brown, cane shelves look FABULOSO now. When I get a few more finishing touches done on the office, hopefully by mid-week, I'll be showcasing a final reveal to you all!

I also found a cute turquoise ceramic lamp at Homegoods to add a pop of color on the desk. It's similar, but much cheaper than these beauties....

I also purchased this must have to stick all my inspiration photos and on going projects onto.

I can't wait to show you guys the big reveal next week! Still need a chair...so that will be a few more weeks. Well, I'm off to make shrimp spring rolls for a cool dinner tonight. We're finally getting some warm, summer weather here in Southern California...high 80s and low 90s all next week...so I see a ton of pool time in our future here!

Design shout out!

2010-08-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

I got my first design shout out over on Shade of a Beech Tree! We're working on her dining room now that we've almost completed the family room. Jessie has been a joy to work with and she has fun taste as well! Stay tuned for updates on her home...but for now check out the first change to her dining room here!

Yuck City...aka My Office

2010-08-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

We've now been in our home exactly one year and Lord knows we still have a TON of projects around this place. But since we decided to buy a much bigger home (with a much bigger $ tag)...AND with the economy still creeping along, but not necessarily getting that much better...well we just have had to pace ourselves. But seriously, my office.... IS DISGUSTING! What, you don't believe me? Here you go..

IN ALL IT'S GLORY!

Yes, that is a METAL cafe chair I am using as a desk chair. My back hates me! The desk is a hand me down from my husbands' office that wasn't needed. For the most part...Ikea desks...not a fan. AT ALL. The A and the M metal letters on the wall are what's left of the DREAM that was on the wall. Piles of magazines, my kids' drawing board...yeah I need to clean it up!

The other side of the room (as if that's any better). The computer armoire has now been sold...thank God! After exactly ONE YEAR trying to get rid of the thing on Craigslist, I finally sold it last weekend. A few more bucks in my pocket= more $$ to spend on the office redo!

Ah yes, then there's the closet. Lovely eh? I do love my redone turquoise file cabinet. This was another leftover from the hubby's office. It was metal, boring, and in need of a serious dose of PEP! I never showed the "after" on that project. Well, here it is!

So, now that I've completed embarrassed myself and showed you my dirty little secret, I need your input, help, thoughts... so that I can finally, once and for all finish my office!

Here are some rooms that I am inspired by....

Celerie Kembles' home office

via thelennox.com

via Domino??

Here is what I'm thinking about doing to the room...

or maybe...

I've got some other ideas floating around my head, but these are my two more solid ideas. Now off to nurse a three year old with a bad ear infection. Hope your Monday is going a bit better than mine is!

A few of my favorite things....

2010-07-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Late July Edition!

I sort of skipped what was suppose to be a monthly post of my favorite things last month (June). This month has been so filled up with summer get togethers, trips out of town and whatnot that...well...I'm just getting to it now. But here it is! My July favorite things!

1. San Pellegrino Aranciata

Found these on a trip to Costco just before Summer really got going. They're yummy, look oh so cute sitting in a tub of ice during a bbq, and they're a nice alternative to soda. BIG, big fan of these!

2. Santa Barbara Design Umbrellas

I want all of them, every color, every style...I LOVE THEM! They aren't cheap, but man are they a lot of style for your patio. A simple outdoor set would become WOW with one of these over it!

3. Rikshaw Designs

I first learned about Rikshaw Designs from Alex over at the Rustic Rooster blog. I was hooked...instantly! Catherine Fitzsimmons designs are right up my alley, bohemian, colorful, casual and beachy. It's no secret (well maybe it was on here!) that the other half and I are all for having another baby right now. Guess what I'm putting in the baby's room? Yeah, you guess it...this stuff! But until then I am happily living in my cute kurtas...I just ordered two!

via Guidespot.com

via Coochicoos.com

4. Felix Doolittle Stationery

I finally started using my cute Felix Doolittle return address labels this past month. I can't believe I had forgotten about them! As per my usual, I got them, left them in a drawer I never hardly open and thus forgot about. Our address labels feature a cute black labrador chewing on a ball...VERY our dog Zipper! Ball crazy doesn't even begin to explain how in love with tennis balls our creature is. She's insane.

In any case, the artwork is absolutely stunning! Each drawing is so good you wish you had a full sized version to put on your wall. They really are that spectacular. I used them on a few thank you notes I sent out this past month and people actually called and/or emailed me to ask where I had gotten my labels! Seriously.

I also picked up bookplates for my little one featuring a monkey holding onto a LARGE baby bottle of milk. We called Ellie "milk monkey" when she was born because she was such an avid eater. That girl loved her milk!

via Martha Stewart

5. Grilled Steak and Summer Vegetable Salad- From Everyday Food

I've subscribed to Everyday Food since day 1 of the publication. It is my go to for quick, delicious, easy food. The mag really is a life saver. They come up with week long menus which include a whole shopping list with everything you will need to make the food. Very convenient! This past month featured this meal which I thought may be a little ho-hum. But we've been trying to eat light around here lately and this fit the bill. I will tell you...HO-HUM it is NOT! I'm a big fan of all sorts of veggies, so getting me to eat them is not normally an issue. The hubby however...can be a bit picky. He's not super into squash, zucchini or eggplant. This dish had all three..BUT HE ATE IT!!!!! AND, he loved it! It also looks super pretty when you plate all the veggies and steak together. It's a really nice presentation.

Grilled Steak and Summer Vegetable Salad

Serves 4

Time: 45 minutes

Try grilled bruschetta with this supper: Brush thick slices of crusty bread with olive oil, then grill until toasted on both sides. Flank steak can be used in place of hanger.

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
2 springs of rosemary
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 1/4 lbs. hanger steak
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 medium eggplant, cut into 3/4 inch slices
1 zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1 yellow squash, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
1/2 lb. cherry tomatoes on the vine, or plum tomatoes halved
1 bunch of scallions
1 sweet bell pepper (any color) cut into sixths, seeds and stems removed.
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons honey

1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil hot grill. In a small oven proof pot combine oil, rosemary, and garlic and place on grill. Cook until oil begins to bubble, 2 minutes. Remove herb oil from heat and set aside 3 tablespoons in a small bowl.

2. Brush steak with herb oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes per side for medium-rare (move steak to a cooler part of grill if it begins to over brown). Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

3. In batches, brush vegetables with herb oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill, turning occasionally, until tomato skins are split and vegetables are tender, 3 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to a serving platter, along with sliced steak. Add vinegar and honey to reserved oil and whisk together. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle dressing over steak and vegetables.

"5th Avenue" at Art Brokerage.com

Locomotive #4 via hometown-pasadena.com

via Art As Authority.com

6. Ray Turner

I discovered Ray Turner when I was about 18 years old in a downtown Fullerton art gallery (which has since moved locations), Sarah Bain Gallery . I was immediately hooked on Turner's style. The exhibition was on a series of chefs in a kitchen. They were stunning...and NOT expensive at the time. Now of course paintings that were once in the hundreds are in the tens of thousands. No, I won't be acquiring one soon. sad. But I recently decided to check out some of his new works and as usual I was not disappointed. One day..maybe...I'll get one of those chef paintings.

Ok, that's my late July edition of "A few of my favorite things"! Hope you enjoyed!

Sweet estate sale finds!

2010-07-27T14:53:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some goodies I picked up at an estate sale in my neighborhood recently. I got there just about 30 minutes into the first day of the sale and it was OUT OF CONTROL!! People were packed inside the house and there were all ready piles set aside of things people wanted to buy. It was good...real good!

A pretty little handpainted Japanese vase circa pre WWII!

A cute little ruffle edge bowl and saucer for jam on our breakfast table.

A pair of Gorham circa 1920s candlesticks...just perfect for our holiday table! AND these come apart and can be made to hold just a separate candle stick each or made shorter. Pretty nifty!

Neat old apple baskets. Really not sure what I'm going to do with these yet. But they were only $3! And one of them has a cool lid to it. Any ideas what to do with these???

Small, creamy milk glass vases just perfect for fresh picked flowers from our garden!

And speaking of milk glass...a cute medium size bowl for fruit and a sugar and creamer set! LOVE!

I fell in love with these old rusty hooks. I'm thinking of using them to hang my aprons on.

Oh, and last but not least...the early 1920s butter churn. For $15 I couldn't resist. It was just too cool. I'm thinking of using it in a clients' house. Such a cool conversation piece in the right room.

Well, I think I did a pretty good job at one estate sale. I love all the milk glass and plan on using it when we entertain. The husband would rather I set up an etsy shop and start selling my finds, but I'm still debating that one. Thanks for stopping by!

off to the library...

2010-07-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last week the little girl and I headed to the Huntington Library in San Marino for a playdate with one of my oldest friends and her little one Declan. The Huntington was one of my favorite places to go in my teen years actually. I've always been very into art (I have a degree in Art History) and I grew up with a family of passionate gardeners (I've also become one). The Library not only has a collection of rare books and manuscripts, but also an art collection and botanical gardens. It's a wonderful place to go for a date with your love, but take your kids to for a little something different.

Declan exploring the lily pond.

Stunning.

The lotus flowers were all in bloom! So pretty in person!

It's difficult to see, but there is a giant spiral cut into the grass that the kids had a blast exploring. There's my little Ellie running towards me. The Library is seen peeking through the trees.

There are lots of sculptures scattered throughout the gardens.

Pretty trails that lead to other gardens with a new theme.

The kids loved the "little trees" all lined up in the Japanese garden.

The best part for the kids was definitely the childrens' garden. Little doors for little ones were fun!

As much as I harped on Ellie NOT to drink the water.. Well you can see that didn't really work out.

Plenty of places to play jungle!

The perfect end to a perfect day trip/play date! CUPCAKES!

Yep..she's a happy camper!

Just one more thing before the weekend...

2010-07-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

An old friend of mine that I have known since I was in second grade has been working on a fabulous photography project. She's a surfer girl, photographer, wife and a mom to two little cute girls. Her project entails following women of all ages who surf and photographing them in the spot that inspires them the most. I want to share one of her pics with you. They are SO beautiful and I want to frame all of them for my office as inspiration to get out in the water more! Yes, I surf too! Take a look.

To see more of Wendi's work go HERE!

Dining Room E-Design

2010-07-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've been continuing work with an e-design client in Massachusetts the past month or so. It has been a fun process as well as a total learning experience for me! Working online and over the phone ONLY, makes it definitely a challenging endeavor!

The client likes traditional furnishings, but with a more funky contemporary twist. Although she sent me lots of inspiration pics with ultra modern lighting and furnishings, we were not able to go AS modern because she has a inherited, super traditional mahogany dining set. Here is what we came up with....

The room will have an updated, younger feel to it with the sleek new chandelier, the eye catching large convex mirror and the glass accents and lamps. Her current dining set has eight all wood chairs, so to break up some of those legs we are putting two upholstered wingback dining chairs at the heads of the table. The dark navy fabric brings out the navy in the existing Bettina fabric that is already on the window panels and the dining chair seats.

The existing fabric really gives the room a lovely garden..but funky feel to the room. To play up that element a little more some fun topiaries are to be added to the dining room table, as well as two sleek, modern hurricane holders. The table will sparkle during dinners in the evening.

A skirted console will replace a mahogany buffet that is just a bit to small for the wall it is currently on. Also, adding more fabric to the room will soften the lines going on with the table and chairs. The console will not only be made larger to serve as a nice buffet area during dinners, but also under the skirt lots of entertaining dishes, glasses and serving pieces can be hidden away. The two gorgeous blown glass lamps will rest atop the console on either side of her existing cut crystal decanters she currently has. The beautiful gilded gold convex mirror will go over the console wall.

I can't wait to see the room once everything is in! I think it's going to be just the place my client was looking for...inviting, warm, traditional but updated, and just enough glitz to impress guests.

If you are interested in e-design packages please contact me here! I work with all budgets and projects...big or small.

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!!!

a little weekday breakfast

2010-07-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I was feeling quite chipper and more awake than usual right when I woke up. I ran down stairs and was thinking of doing our usual poached eggs with english muffin routine, but then I decided to try out a yummy looking recipe I had been eyeing in one of my cookbooks.

As usual Ina did not disappoint. Bacon, potatoes, chives....how could it go wrong!? It was an easy recipe and seriously nice enough for when our in-laws come to town. A must try!

-from Ina Garten's Back to Basics Cookbook

Jeffrey and I have a wonderful routine when we go to Paris. We arrive late morning, drop our bags, and rush to Café Varenne for lunch. They make this fabulous country omelet with bacon, potatoes, and chopped chives. It's such a satisfying breakfast or lunch. If you want to serve four people, double the recipe and make it in two pans.

Country French Omelet

1 tablespoon good olive oil

3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled, 1-inch-diced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

5 extra large eggs

3 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof omelet pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is browned but not crisp. Take the bacon out of the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.

Place the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until very tender and browned, tossing occasionally to brown evenly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the same plate with the bacon.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together with a fork. After the potatoes are removed, pour the fat out of the pan and discard. Add the butter, lower the heat to low, and pour the eggs into the hot pan. Sprinkle the bacon, potatoes, and chives evenly over the top and place the pan in the oven for about 8 minutes, just until the eggs are set. Slide onto a plate, divide in half, and serve hot.

Bon Appetit!

Today is your birthday...it's my birthday too yeah!

2010-07-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Last week we stayed quite busy with birthdays, fun field trips, concert in the park, surf contest, date night with hubby and World Cup finals (so sad Netherlands). Here are some photos from our fun week!

Birthday lunch Monday at Cheesecake Factory

I'm smiling but inside I'm thinking, "I am going to have to do A TON of working out tomorrow to get this off my thighs!".

Birthday dinner (actual day of) at Taco Surf Sunset Beach

Friday night we headed to our local park for the summer concert in the park series. The concert is always fun, but a bit hectic getting all packed up and set up on time for the event. Of course I went and made homemade Roasted Potato Leek soup and Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwiches just hours before. So, I made the whole thing harder on myself of course. And wouldn't you know it..Ellie wanted NOTHING to do with dinner and ended up stealing a friends' cotton candy instead.

On Saturday Reed lined up a nice date night dinner up in Hollywood at a fabulous Argentinian restaurant. Probably some of the best steak I've ever had. If you live in the Los Angeles area you must try Carlitos Gartel .

via LA Times

Since we don't go out fancy that often I splurged on a new outfit for the occasion. My shoes were MUCH trendier than I usually go for. Actually the fact that they were heels was a break from my usual buy of sandals and flats.

Date Night Outfit:

Dress: Linne's Boutique Seal Beach

Belt: Linne's Boutique Seal Beach

Earrings: Banana Republic

Bracelets: J. Crew

Ring: Adina

Shoes: Mea Shadow

Sunday we watched our Dutch team go down in flames. Since I am now a Dutch girl by married last name I was sort of obligated to root for Orange. But to be honest, I was also secretly rooting for Espana! So it was a win win situation.

Hope you had a fabulous fun filled weekend too! Any day now Southern California MIGHT get Summer weather. It rained on our date night Saturday....go figure.

my favorite birthday present

2010-07-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today I was blessed with the one thing I really started to think I would never have in my life...my little girl. I was convinced I would 1) never get married and 2) never have children. Seriously...I was NOT finding any man worth marriage back in those days! But on July 6, 2007 I popped out this little cutie who continues to bless my life and make it more worth while everyday.

I love how Ellie and our pup Zipper have become best buddies and playpals. They really are like siblings and it's funny to watch them interact.

She has an incredible sense of humor and has already picked up on Mom and Dad's sarcasm. She goes out of her way to try and make you laugh. We love that!

I'm constantly being told by my friends and family how lucky we are to have such a good natured kid. I know...believe me. Ellie isn't the norm!

And in the last year as we've watched her grow in even bigger leaps and bounds, I'm sad and excited for the little lady she is becoming. We love that she is so thrilled to be learning new things and discovering the world.

But most of all I love that we share our birthdays together. I love that she will always be my little birthday present. A constant reminder of the love I share with my husband, the life I was able to give, and the one thing that will always keep me young at heart.

You are the poem I dreamed of writing,

the masterpiece I longed to paint.

You are the shining star I reach for

in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled.

You are my child.

Now with all things I am blessed.

I love you Ellie Victoria Van Rozeboom! Happy birthday monkey!

Summertime and the livin's easy!

2010-06-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

I've been rather MIA lately I know! The little girl and I fought quite a nasty cold for THREE WEEKS in June that really knocked us both out for a while. I haven't had a cold like that in ages. No fun. Then as soon as I got better we went out of town for a little whitewater river rafting and RV'ing with some dear friends and old neighbors of ours. The last two weeks the almost 3 year old and I have been staying quite busy doing....

This.

Mother's Beach-Belmont Shore

and this.

Disneyland with one of Ellie's bestest friends Sierra!

lots of this...

Ice Cream...cause mommy likes it a lot too.

this for a while...

Baby Ballet

this

Kidnastics

and I did this.

Dinner at Taco Surf Sunset Beach with some old friends!

Summer has started off pretty darn good! My ultimate favorite holiday is this weekend...4th of July...and the week before and after are always jammed pack full of fun events and outings. It's also my birthday (the 6th) as well as my little ones'. Yes, we have the same birthday! We're having a big bash to celebrate America's birthday and here is a sneak of what it will look and taste like!

clockwise from top right corner: 1)candles in mason jars 2)sparklers for the kiddos 3)bbq chicken 4)watermelon feta arugala salad-Ina Garten 5)white hydrangeas 6)plaid pendleton blankets to watch fireworks on 7)flag cake-more Ina! 8)nautical napkins, cups and plates from Ikea 9)lemonade in drink dispensers from Pottery Barn 10)Red White and Blue Potato salad-Cooking Light 11)lots of flag swags around the house

Quick fixes to your home in a day

2010-06-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I get so excited when I go to grab the incoming mail and see the newest edition of House Beautiful laying in there! Immediately, I scan through my daily schedule in my head to think of when I will have a half hour or so to read it cover to cover that day. Yesterday I did so quite easily, as I spent two hours of my day waiting in the walk in clinic to be seen for my horrific head cold that has turned into a nice little sinus infection.

Well in this months' issue they featured the work of a few leading interior designers and then asked the some easy small changes you can do in a day to make a big impact in your home.

1. Organize with Trays

"Corral items like TV remotes on a tray on the coffee table. Put liquor bottles, glasses, and bar accoutrements on a tray in the living or dining room, like in this Georgia beach house." —Jim Howard

2. Display Children's Art

"Display drawings in a colorful frame, or in a white frame with a colored mat. Hang them in an otherwise unimaginative space. They're full of spirit — and meaningful." —Eric Cohler

3. Remove Upper Cabinet Doors

"Remove upper doors. Arrange your dishes and glasses in an interesting way. Put miscellaneous items in low wicker baskets that are all uniform." —Jim Howard.

4. Paint the Lampshades

"Buy an inexpensive paper shade and paint it red —Farrow and Ball's Blazer is a gorgeous scarlet. A red shade makes the light incredibly romantic and flattering." —Joe Nye

5. Bring on the Branches

"Put branches in a container. You could even then go to Home Depot and get a small spotlight to light them from below. It casts fantastic shadows into empty corners." —Jean Larette

6.Rehang Your Artworks

"Put pieces in unusual places, like above a door. Lean some against a mirror. Hang several in an asymmetrical collage, at least three inches apart, like how these antique mirrors are in a Georgia beach house." —Jim Howard

7. Refresh the Bath

"Change your shower curtain, or just the liner. Add fragrant candles and a small bouquet. Clear the counters of everything except your prettiest essentials." —Jean Larette

8. Refresh with New Sheets

"Refresh your bedroom with new sheets. My favorites are white hotel-style sheets with a colored border. They have such a classic look; you can buy them anywhere." —Eric Cohler

9.Wallpaper the Back of Shelves

"Paper the back of a cabinet or bookshelf in faux-snakeskin, crocodile, or ostrich. Paint can't come close to the impact. It will inspire you to rearrange your shelves." —Jean Larette

10.Remove Rugs

"Get a carpet remnant and put it down in an unusual place, like a patio or balcony. Or take up some of your rugs. Bare wood and stone floors can be just as beautiful." —Eric Cohler

11. Accessorize with Books

"Stack art, design, gardening, travel books — whatever you collect — on a table. Books are my favorite accessory because they're so personal — they reflect your interests." —Joe Nye

12. Paint Curtain Rods

"Paint rods and rings with a color that complements the curtains. Rub the paint on with a rag — it creates a softer effect. "—Jim Howard

Some of these suggestions I totally agree with, while some of them I think are so-so ideas. My suggestions? They may sound similar to what the "experts" said, but read on....

1. Rehang Your Artwork: No, not like Jim Howard suggested. I walk into peoples' homes all the time and immediately think, "That picture is FAR too high on the wall!". Bring your artwork down to your EYE level. If you have to look up to see it, it's too high! And if you are putting art behind a sofa, you probably need to lower it even a bit more. You want it to float just above the top of the sofa, not way up above the wall behind it.

Hillary Thomas

Phoebe Howard

2. Declutter Your Kitchen!!!! : Get rid of the mess people! Buy yourself plenty of plastic storage container for your pantry to house all those chips, cereals, etc. Still not enough room? Pick up some pretty seagrass or woven baskets with lids to set on the floor or countertop. Grab old fashioned glass jars for flour, sugar, and grains. It can be done! I promise you it will make you actually want to cook in your kitchen and going into that room won't seem like such a chore.

Anne Turner Carrol's Kitchen via Decor Pad

via Country Living

3. Add Fresh Flowers and Plants: Just by adding a pretty vase with flowers, a potted plant or an indoor tree can really breath life into a room and make your home seem more welcoming. BUT... I said "fresh" flowers and plants! Please, please, please do not put a silk ficus tree in your home....EVER! Seriously. It looks fake, it will collect dust and look even more fake and no you are not fooling anyone. I promise you. Ok, with that being said there are SOME nice looking silk flowers and plants that have come on the market. They are not cheap. If you see them at Michael's or any other craft store for that matter, the swap meet, you get the picture...then they're probably the icky ones I'm talking about. I've seen nicer silks at some home boutiques stores and Pottery Barn. The best ones I've ever seen are by Distinctive Designs. A few samples...

Check out their site! If you see something you like I just happen to have an account with them. I can get you a quote, as well as offer you an additional 10% off!

Barclay Butera

via Velvet and Linen

4. PAINT: Do your walls look dingy, or do you have dust marks on your walls from your pictures being hung in the same place for so long? Did you paint your house more than say six years ago, right when you moved into your home? OR did you move right into your place and just leave the paint on the walls from the previous owners? If you have little ones, furry ones or a clumsy husband then you need to PAINT! This one thing will make the room seem cleaner, brighter, and more put together (partly because you'll want to organize a bit after you are done) than anything else you can do to a room. I'll show you a shot of our home and what a little paint (and umm...undecorating!) can do.

Before

After

Summer is right around the corner! Are you going to do anything to spruce up your home and give it a quick fix?

Pour Some blog Sugar on ME!

2010-06-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've had a bad case of forgetfulness lately. Here I have a perfectly good blog and I continually forget to bring my camera with me to take photos for it! My iPhone only does a so-so job...but that's what I use most of the time.

In any case, I wanted to recap the event I went to last Friday night, Blog*Sugar! Here are some photos from other girls that went to the shindig. Thanks girls for taking photos just so I could use them myself! hee hee!

Vintage Hawaiian Theme

The Flowers.... that I contributed to the event!

Yummy Food and Drinks

Some of the lovely ladies of the night...

(from left to right) ME!, Heather Myers, the hostess of the night Rachel, co-hostess Andrea, Live Fancy's Kimmie, and Valerie.

I'm still suffering through this stupid cold my cutie pie Ellie gave me. So bear with me on the lack of meaty dialogue going on right now. Cold medicine= no brain. I'm praying I get well by this weekend...temps in the 80's are expected AND we finally got our outdoor cushions for our patio furniture. I've got some MAJOR patio area decorating that needs to be done in time for our big 4th of July party we are throwing. Sneak peek below....

***Thank you to Miranda, Brenda, and Rachel for letting me (unknowingly) ummm..borrow your pics!

Cheap chic at Target!

2010-06-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

After my most recent jaunt to our local Target I came home hiding my purchases a bit more than usual. Come on ladies..you know what I'm talking about. You spent just a tad too much while at Tarjay and so it becomes a bit of a game to not only get your one too many bags in the house without the other half seeing it, but then casually pulling it off when he asks, "Honey is that new?". NOOOOOO! Of course it isn't! Yeah right. :)

Well, I'm guilty. It was just too good! Not only did I pick up this cute summer hat for days by the pool and hanging on the beach.....

Eugena Kim for Target Flower Print Bucket Hat

I also snagged this cute little sundress for my Ellie. Perfect for hot summer barbeques and soirees. Yes, my kid goes to soirees. hahaha!!

Osh Kosh Summer Ruffle Dress

But then I stopped in my tracks at some of their newest home decor. Come to Mama!!! Too cute! If you are looking for some cheap things to spruce up your home Target has got it. I picked up these awesome glass lamps...still not sure where I'm putting them..but that's not the point. :)

Glass Jar Lamp Base

These were another cute find...love love love those shades!

Striped Lamp Shade
and
Glass Lamp Base

Star Applique Decorative Pillow, US Flag Decorative Pillow

and Quilted Star Pillow

Adorable for a dash of Americana just in time for the 4th of July! Throw a few on a neutral sofa or an all white bed.

Boho Picture Frame

I so wish they had these frames in multiple sizes! The pattern is just too cute and of course the white looks fresh and summery.

Decorative Half Hour Glass

Their decorative half hour glass comes in three fun colors: bright blue, green and yellow. This would look be perfect atop a stack of books on a coffee table or added into a bookshelf vignette. And check out who's jumped on the "Keep Calm and Carry On" bandwagon!

That pillow...the blue lamp...LOVE!

If you're trying to save money...DO NOT..I repeat..DO NOT go into Target! But if you're looking for those little somethings for yourself and your home to bring in the warm weather, well you can't beat it.

Now back to nursing my sniffling, sneezing self. Colds..ugh.

Good start

2010-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend started off with a bang! Last night I went to a fun event for So Cal bloggers thrown by Mrs. No 17's Rachel and Flight of Fancy girl (and my next door neighbor!), Andrea. I met some great new friends and learned about fun blogs that I haven't stumbled across yet. I'm already looking forward to the next event. Pictures to follow soon!

Then this morning I woke to a VERY bright sun coming into our bedroom and I could tell it was going to be just the type of day I have been longing for! BRIGHT and SUNNY!!! Whoo hoo...bring on Summer! We decided to turn on a little Stereo Mood, break out the french press and hang out a bit this morning which was so nice and the perfect start to what I think is set to be a great day!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend with those you love!

2010-05-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've written anything. I'll admit it...I've been lazy. I've had a lot going, a lot I could actually be sharing with all of you. However, I haven't felt creative enough to come up with a post to tell you all about it! Shame on me! But, I do have something I want to share with you today! Ha!

Do you know the band, LCD Soundsystem? No? Well, you must get thee to iTunes, your nearest music store, Amazon.com, whatever...and BUY THE NEW CD!!! It came out today. I'm LOVING it!

Yes, I'm a bit biased with this band. The hubby and I were on our "England, Ireland, Scotland" one year wedding anniversary trip when we first saw this band live. We were in Aberdeen, Scotland...and quite possibly the ONLY non-Aberdeenians there. It was one of the most epic, never forget it in a million years kind of nights. We ended up hanging with a group of guys with fake mustaches. Epic.

Aberdeen, Scotland seeing LCD Soundsystem with a fellow Scotsman! I told him to wear his 'stach like one of the brothers from Oasis.

While I'm on the subject of music, I just found a great new internet music site... www.stereomood.com.

I just found it while cooking this afternoon on, what will be, a mean beef stew for dinner tonight. The smell of rosemary, chianti wine, and beef is intoxicating right now!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2010-05-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Men, listen up! We love you, but please think outside the box. We LOVE flowers, and bath oils, and soaps, and candles. But COME ON...way too predictable! Let us help you out with some other ideas....

Tory Burch Classic Reva Ballerina Flat $195

Men, you really can't go wrong with this gift. I think it's safe to say that any girl would be beyond thrilled to receive a pair of these adorable, classic flats for Mother's Day...or any other holiday for that matter. And black is a no brainer, but if you want to go for equestrian orange or the metallic pebble flats, then by all means go ahead! And while we are on the subject of Tory Burch products, you can't go wrong with pretty much anything by her. LOVE!

Le Creuset Cookware

No, this isn't a trick. Sometimes we actually DO like getting cookware and household equipment, but it's gotta be good or something we've really been pining after. These babies are not cheap, but they are worth their weight in gold I tell ya! And this is a win-win situation for you boys. Not only will we get to put this out on display on our stove for all of our friends to oooh and ahhhh over, but you my friend will get THE best pot roasts, slow cooked pulled pork, french onion soup, and beef bourguignon you've ever had. Trust me. Oh and you the one you want to start your lovely girl out with is this one...

Le Crueset Round Dutch Oven 5 1/2 qt. $235.00 @ William Somoma

Since many of us moms are constantly running around with our heads cut off, trying desperately to balance kids, husband, work, social life, errands, housework, etc....we need a little OM in our life. OM, what's that you say? Find the definition here. In a nutshell...means God in Sanskirt, and helps to bring inner peace and harmony. I might just be speaking for myself here, but I could use a little inner peace and harmony. Sounds great. And this pretty little necklace might just do the trick.

Satya Jewelry $108.00

We could always use something feminine and pretty to throw around us as we head out the door. One of these would do the trick!

Catch and Release Scarf $32

Moments Pause Scarf $42

Cool Brush Scarf $48

And if you waited to long to get something or you just want to make it easy, give your love a day at the spa. Burke Williams IS the way to go! And if you can afford it...please not just a massage OR a facial. We want both....throw in a pedi/mani and you'll seriously be in good with us. (for a long time) Promise.

Happy Momma Day!

Thought for the night...

2010-05-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking how wonderful it would be to go back to here.

Because it was so beautiful and the people were amazing. But also because we couldn't stop laughing at the Eastern European men wearing....

yes...that!

A 14 hour plane ride with an almost 3 year old DOES NOT sound like a good idea. I guess I'll have to make some sangria and tapas and pretend next weekend.

Good night! Where do you wish you could be?

I've decided....

2010-04-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

that we've lived in our house for almost a year now and I want our living room DONE! We need a cocktail table, sofa table, new lamps, new chair of some sort and odds and ends. I want it done in one month... Not sure my hubby will be ok with this decision since he pays most of the bills and we've been on operation save lately (not sure if I was cc'd on that memo). To start off the room I want this...

via Pieces Inc. com

This is vintage and already sold on the site I found her on, but I want something similar. I'm on the hunt now. seriously. I also think I'm going to do a chair in this fabric....

via Galbraith and Paul

or maybe something like this...

via Quadrille

as seen in Traditional Home in the orange color way

Ok, off to scheme and beg my husband. Wish me luck!

Weekend wrap up...

2010-04-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Daddy went out of town this past weekend, so the little one and I got to spend some fun time together.

Ellie got her first manicure and pedicure! Seriously funny! I loved watching the poor girl doing her nails try to repaint her smudged fingers every 5 minutes or so. I actually told them NOT to paint her fingers because I saw that it was not going to work. She didn't hear me..so what are you going to do?

I was sitting across from her getting my mani/pedi and yelling "Ellie, robot hands sweetie...don't bend your fingers!". It sort of worked, but I spent the evening trying to scrape off pink polish from her clothes.

Then I treated my little girl to her very first In n' Out cheeseburger. She ate a bit of the burger, but her heart was set on the french fries and lemonade.

The next day my mom joined us for an early morning trip to the Santa Monica Flea Market (I'll post my finds tomorrow!) and to the Long Beach Farmer's Market after. How pretty are all those berries!

Lots of beautiful, colorful veggies..we bought a TON!

A woman was buying all of those flowers piled on the table when I was browsing the booth!

The orchid man is always a huge hit with the locals.

Hope you had a fantastic weekend and your Monday has been painless!

The Coachella recap

2010-04-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

It has been a full week since Coachella 2010 wrapped up in the desert of So Cal. I had not been since 2006 and boy has it evolved! First off...HOLY crowds batman! I could not believe how many people they now let into the venue. Back when I was going every year...2002-2006...the crowds were around 80,000 people. Now, from what I heard on the radio, the crowd is 200,000+!!!! Yikes! Let me tell ya, it felt like it!

Ok, but I'm getting ahead of myself here. Let me start at the beginning. First mistake, don't go to Coachella with friends who do not have their ticket to the event yet. It usually sells out and/or it's a major pain in the..well you know..to get tickets once there. I ended up missing the first day of the show because no one had a ticket other than me. I didn't want to go by myself, so we went out to dinner and had a fun night instead. With that being said, my friend Ana somehow hooked us up with some MAJOR VIP artist passes to the event on Saturday by diligently checking on Craigslist . So of course I sold my ticket asap to use the much better hookup! Bliss. It was awesome.

Our full access artist passes!

Backstage waiting for De La Soul to finish up.

With the artist passes we could not only go into the upgraded VIP area (which people pay dearly to get into), but we could go into the" no access for anyone normal" area! This area was where the bands had their trailers, a lounge area was set up for celebrities and the bands, there was free alcohol, we could go anywhere backstage we wanted to and we got AMAZING parking. I don't think I could ever go back with just general admission again. I've tasted the good life and it is sa-weeet!

Who knew there was a LAKE at Coachella!?

My fav band Phoenix! Right over my shoulder sitting there. I didn't want to bug them with a picture.

Not only did we get to watch some amazing bands and artists from the side stage away from the crowds, but we rubbed shoulders with them before and after the show.

Yes, I met Brobie from Yo Gabba Gabba. My daugher loves this pic!

Corrine Bailey Rae... Love love love her! She's so tiny!

My friend Ana with Tony from No Doubt

We ran into Danny DeVito Saturday night on the way out to our car.

Spoon! So good live.

Blurry Muse. I wasn't a huge fan before this show. Now after seeing them live I love them!

It was a fabulous weekend albeit tiring as heck. I never thought I would come that close to so many celebrities and music artists. I had a run in with BEYONCE for goodness sake! That's a whole story in itself really. Every year I say I'll never go again, but if I line up artist passes next year...I'M GOING!

Thanks Ana for taking all the great pictures!!!

A few of my favorite things....

2010-04-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

I've decided I am going to start a monthly posting called "A Few of My Favorite Things". This will be a collection of things that I'm loving at the current time. It may be clothing, food, music, home stuff, whatever... But it will always be new and different. I might also ask my fellow blogger friends to guest blog their "favs" to make it fun and interesting. So let's kick it off with some things I'm crushing on right now....

Galbraith and Paul Fabrics

I spotted this line in one of my design mags recently and immediately set up a trade account with them and got samples. Once I got the samples I was in AWE!!! So fun, so pretty, and so unique. I'm considering using the green tile fabric and the aqua and green medallion fabric on the lower left for pillows and/or to recover an accent chair in my living room.

The fabric is designed by Liz Galbraith and is hand blocked. They also do beautiful custom rugs and wallpaper!

Domino Feb.2008

Domino March 2009

Better Homes and Gardens October 2006

English Gardens

I've always loved English garden design, but it wasn't until we moved to our new home that I became a serious fan. Our backyard was remodeled by the previous owners in an English style. Although they attempted to recreate this look, they sort of fell short. I've spent the last few months ripping out the old plants that were not right and overgrown and put in lots of fresh herbs, lavender, lamb's ear...you get the picture. Its coming together slowly. And I can't wait for the weather to really warm up so we can sit back there with friends, have wine and appetizers and enjoy the scenery. Here are some gardens that have really inspired me.

Ina Garten's garden

More of Ina's garden via Food Network

via Velvet and Linen...

Yes, I know..not really an English garden, but I'm loving pea gravel right now and this looks SO cozy!

Miss Trish for Target

via target addict blogspot

I bought a pair of these cuties for my little cutie right before Easter. Every time I go into Target I now run to the shoe section because our awesome babysitter Liz somehow always scores the cutest shoes there. Or maybe its just that whatever she puts on looks super cute. One of the two...I'm going with the latter. Anywho, I was SHOCKED when I saw these and for the price how could I resist!? I've been wanting a pair of Trish's for a few years now, but can never come up with a good enough excuse to buy a pair of sandals over $100. My husband would kill me..literally. When I bought a pair for my toddler they didn't yet have the women's version in store yet. They do now though!

What things have you been obsessing over lately? I'd love to hear!

It's that time of the year...

2010-04-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

TAXES!

Ugh...no one likes them. We've been so crazy this year and the last half of last year, that we aren't even CLOSE to finishing them. So we're getting an extension. Oh well.

But what makes me feel better around this time of the year is knowing that the simple things (and sometimes the cheapest) are what makes my world go round and lifts me up when I need it most. I just wanted to share a few of those things with you....

via cluas.com

1. Phoenix.

No not the city, the band. I have every album now and it is my GO TO for happy, pick me up music. I love that their music doesn't sound the same from song to song. I'm even more thrilled that I will be seeing them this weekend at this event! Check them out right here.

via jasonswineblog.com

2. Epicuro- Alianico Red Wine $4.99 at Trader Joe's

A friend introduced this wine to me a few years ago. And I was skeptical. $4.99, seriously!? This can't be good. I'll admit I'm no wine connoisseur, but I definitely don't go for the jug wine at the grocery store either. Since the hubby and I drink a fair bit of wine (Hey, he's got a stressful job and well..I have a 2 year old), we are always on the lookout for some thriftier bottles to enjoy. This one fits the bill perfectly.

via Z Pizza.com

3. Z Pizza- particularly the Provence pizza!

When we moved to our new home last July we discovered that this pizza chain was right around the corner. We tried it out...we fell in love. The ingredients are oh so fresh, the pizza ingredients they throw together are perfect and it tastes way better than those other pizza guys. They're salads rock too!

4. Our backyard/ garden

We were beyond thrilled when we moved into our new home which happened to include the most incredible backyard. The previous owners had recently spent A LOT of money renovating and upgrading the whole thing just about a year before they sold it to us. I come from a long line of gardeners on my mom's side of the family, so of course I have naturally fallen in love with the pastime too!

The little one and I spend many daylight hours ripping out overgrown plants, pruning roses, and potting herbs and ferns. Not everything is successful, but it is my little way of relaxing and taking in the sunshine. My little girl just likes the chance to get totally dirty....since mommy is a bit of a clean freak!

We can't WAIT to throw a big 4th of July BBQ this summer with all of our friends and their kids! The pool and spa are screaming for it!

5. Modern Family

If you haven't watched this show yet kick yourself. Seriously, this is one of the funniest shows around right now. All the characters crack me up, but the adorable gay couple is my favorite. Go figure. (FYI: I love the gays!) Anywho, check it out Wednesday nights on ABC, it will not disappoint.

Hope the simple pleasures in your life help you get through the yucky stuff too!

Striped

2010-04-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

When warm weather rolls around, I become instantly drawn to bright colors, colorful prints, and lots of stripes. There is something about a good bold, awning stripe that just screams WARM WEATHER to me! Also, adding a good stripe fabric to a room just "crisps" it up and makes it look pulled together.

Oh so pretty with the pops of pink stripe on a neutral sofa. Even the hydrangea has the pink going on. Pretty!

Love how the stripe is repeated on the walls.

The stripe here looks more sophisticated, but still lends a playful and somewhat more modern edge to the traditional chairs.

Pottery Barn Sunbrella Awing Stripe Outdoor Drapes

And this look I just CAN'T get enough of! Black AND stripes! So crisp, fresh and classic! Pottery Barn always knows how to do a great summer look.

Again, Pottery Barn does a classic stripe to a T!

For some great stripes go...

Here

and

here!

PS...If you happen to know where any of my photos came from please help me out. I forgot to save that information when I saved the photos! :(

Jessie's Living Room

2010-04-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, I started working on an e-decorating project for a client in Boston. She and her family live in a beautiful late 1800s Victorian home. They have been painstakingly bringing the old girl back to her old glory one project at a time. You can read about their home here.

Since I have a soft spot in my heart for older homes, I was thrilled to hear from Jessie that she would like some decorating help, starting with their living/family room. So I just wanted to share what we've come up with for her room. Let me tell ya..it wasn't easy! The room is definitely not a modern room...lots of doors, weird walls and not a solid wall to boot. But its cozy and unique and I think its going to look WONDERFUL! Here is the fabric that started the whole look...

Laura Ashley for Kravet Tilbury-Lapis

You may have seen it in the first issue of Lonny featured in the dining room of Kate Simpson (from dearly departed Domino).

via www.aestheticoiseau.com

Well hopefully once Jessie's room is complete..or near completion, she will share images! I can't wait! Here is what we came up with:

I still need to fine tune some things like art and more lighting, but its got a great feel! Happy Friday to you!

Coachella Music Festival-What to bring!

2010-04-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

photo via halletecco blog

It has been three long years since I've gone to one of my favorite music events, the Coachella Valley Music Festival. My first Coachella encounter started way back in 2001 when I was 25 *sniff sniff*. My how time flies! It's an unbelievable experience that you can only understand once you have gone. There is something magical about seeing your favorite bands out in that beautiful desert with tens of thousands of other people. But of course there ARE downfalls....heat like you wouldn't believe (I was there the year it was 109 degrees and the festival had NOT put up shade areas like they now have), long lines for bathrooms and beer (you MUST have beer..its so hot and its the ultimate refresher during the 4pm heat), and some serious winds that sometimes end up very cold (like they did in 2002). So I've come up with a list of my essentials for the weekend that have gotten me through the heat, the cold, the wind, the lines..you name it. Here they are! Oh, and word to the wise...don't wear super nice stuff! PLEASE! This is the place where it will get broken, ruined, lost, stolen or what have you. I know you want to look good, but be smart about your attire.

1. First and foremost...you gotta have a hat! Seriously, I'm pretty white bread and now that I'm 33 its not so cool to let my shoulders and face fry beyond belief just to look cute. The wider the better, but if you can't swing a big hat just wear one that will at least cover that nose.

American Eagle Zig Zag Fedora $19.50

So cute with a flowy sundress and sandals! This WILL keep that sun from scorching you.

J. Crew Summer Straw Hat $30.00

2. Clothes that will keep you cool during the day! I'm kind of in love with the first dress. I might just have to go back to Forever 21 and get this (I was there yesterday). Perfect with that big hat and some cute metallic sandals!

Tribal Maxi Tube Dress-Forever 21 $14.50

The whole outfit actually works. I love the skirt because its got enough room to move in which is needed since at some point you'll need to sit on the ground.

Drappy Drexel plisse skirt- J.Crew $98.00

3. What you need at night so you don't freeze if it decides to turn cold on ya.

Belted Boyfriend Cardigan- Old Navy $25.99

4. SUN PROTECTION! I can't stress this enough. I've gotten and seen really, really bad sunburns on people at the show. Not fun!

Neutrogena Ultra Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 100+- Drugstore.com $10.99

Chapstick with SPF 15- Drugstore.com $1.99

Any kind of body wipe will do, but since I'm a clean freak this is a must for me. Right around dusk I usually throw on some jeans (that I bring in my backpack) and I wipe myself clean with some wipes to get off all that sunscreen, sweat, and dirt. By nighttime rolls around I smell good while other people in the crowd.....well they don't.

No-Rinse Bathing Wipes-Drugstore.com $3.69

There you have it..the little things that make watching a massive concert in the desert a little more ~~bearable~~ enjoyable! Of course there are the a few I didn't include like water and sunglasses, but since most of the people going are from LA, well do you really think they would forget those two things? Probably not. See ya in the desert! And here are some images from the last Coachella I went to in 2006...

Crazy sculpture!

Yes, this guy is COVERED in glowsticks! Now if only I had taken a picture of the guy with the cork hat.

My good natured husband who lets me drag him along every year. He's not really the big crowd, hot desert event sort of person. Unfortunately, this year he can't go because he's actually working a high tech geeky thing FOR the event that weekend. Yes, I'm going to be pulling a solo...no kid, no hubby...weekend!

I may not look like it, but I can tell you at this point I was hotter than Hades, my shoulders were just starting to burn and I realized that it was going to be a VERY VERY hot day!

Powder Room Redo: Chapter 2!

2010-03-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!! I have pics of our powder room that we tried to knock out in one weekend. Here is what we were originally working with....

Note a few things..the overly scrolly wallpaper, the drapery panel (with more scrolls) used as a shower curtain, the torch style sconces. YUCK! Here's how it looks now....

As you can see we didn't drastically change it since we're on serious budget mode still. But what we did do is tone down the busy-ness of the room and make it a little more soothing.

We replaced the torch scones with Restoration Hardware Bistro Sconces in oil rubbed bronze. I found them for a steal on Ebay! Score! The mirror actually is not the one that was there when we moved in. The original mirror was a rectangular shape..again..with scrolls and doo-dads all over it. We had this one that we had used in a bedroom and decided it would work for now. Eventually I think I'd like to also get the Bistro Pivot Mirror from RH.

We also changed out the rug and curtain to a some nice new ones from RH. The towels are from Home Goods and the paint is BM Grant Beige.

But the room isn't done folks! Oh no, not at all. Although the vanity doesn't look so fussy and old lady like anymore, its just not our style at all. I'm considering finding an old dresser and dropping a sink into it, or a pedestal type sink.... What would you do?? What do you think the room still needs?

Happy St. Pattys Day!

2010-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

I love St. Patrick's Day! Green happens to be one of my fav colors, I love Irish beer, Leprechauns are funny and Ireland is across the water from my fav country...Scotland! Hee hee!

But seriously, every year the thought of corned beef and cabbage just makes me drool. I absolutely love it and it reminds me of my childhood. So of course I have a pot of corned beef brisket simmering away on the stove until this evening when it will just fall apart and be absolutely yummy! Also, this year I attempted Irish Soda Bread..we'll see how that turns out this evening when we have some with dinner.

Ireland has a soft spot in my heart since it was part of our 1 year wedding anniversary trip back in 2005. I had never been across the pond before and well, being an anglophile...this was a problem! My husband lived in London for a short time on a study abroad right after college. So of course he felt it was his duty to show his girl where he had spent some time in his younger years and tell me all the funny stories of his time there.

I could go on and on about that memorable trip. It seriously was a life changer for me. We even took a very long train ride to Aberdeen, Scotland to see where my family is from and my family castle. Well, if you can call it a castle. But hey, how many people can say they have one of those in their fam right?!

The ferry ride over to Northern Ireland...of course we're drinking beer!

From Scotland we took the ferry ride over to Northern Ireland.... WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Northern Ireland not the ferry ride. We were told things were calm, safe and totally normal while we were there. Well, I guess so, but I will say that we got quite a few looks when we would walk back to our bed and breakfast every day which happened to be in the Catholic part of town.

We got a major history lesson taking a taxi ride tour of the murals around Belfast. By the end we were still not sure who was right, who was wrong...it all just seemed like a waste of time and energy fighting.

From Belfast we took another longish train ride down to Dublin which was where we were going to end our trip, spend our actual anniversary night at, and fly home from. We were pretty much exhausted from our two week travels. By the time we got to Dublin all we could think of was....

PUB CRAWL!

Anyone who's been to Dublin knows of the infamous Temple Bar area. It's literally pub after pub after pub. We were told by our hotel that many people just do a pub crawl in the area when they visit. And of course, we thought, "yeah that's a great idea..let's do that!". Famous last words.

First bar....we look sober and sweet.

Second bar...still looking relatively composed!

And this is where things start to look ugly! I think the beer is working!

This is the calm before the storm. I remember trying to compose myself as we had lunch.

But obviously, it didn't work! Smashed!

We had a great time in Ireland. It was beautiful and the people were very friendly. We would love to go back again and see the west coast and get out of the cities a bit.

Happy St. Patty's Day to you all! I'll be raising my glass of green beer to you all later!

Spring has FINALLY sprung!

2010-03-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have been one busy girl lately! This past weekend as I have been sharing with everyone, quite often, was my trip to the Rose Bowl with Eddie and Jaithan. Our little flea market group wasn't meeting until 10am Sunday morning, but since the hubby agreed to watch our girl while I shopped I took advantage of my alone time. I got up nice and early and headed over to the Bowl way before 10am to see if I could score deals. To be honest, I was overwhelmed!!!! I don't go to many flea markets..actually I think I've been to one. I usually hit up estate and yard sales for my deals. So, I didn't really know my prices and I was a bit nervous to buy anything in fear that it would be a piece of...well you get the idea.

Well, that's where Eddie's little trip totally helped! Our group was fun, enthusiastic and ready for those deals and finds. Eddie was SO informative and full of so many wonderful, creative ideas for gifts, decorating, and general antique knowledge. He and Jaithan are the sweetest guys and so down to earth. I wish I could bundle up their positive energy for myself. Really, truely,...these guys are the real deal!

With Jaithan and Eddie!

One particular highlight of the day was meeting the bloggers behind some of the blogs I follow and admire. The three girls were none other than Grace from Grace Happens, Alex who owns Rustic Rooster Interiors and Melissa from Seagrass Interiors who works as a junior designer at the Rooster. I was thrilled to finally meet the Rooster chicks from Encinitas, CA and will definitely be taking a day trip down there very soon to check out the store!

Me, Melissa, Grace and Alexandra

It was awesome that they came to the event because the three of them had a design sense similar to my own. Since I didn't take a friend with me, I kept bouncing ideas off them and getting their approval on some things I was seeing and liking. Thanks girls for putting up with me!

So, you're wondering...what did I find? Here are my flea market goodies:

I found this gorgeous mirror with the scallop shell at the top for over our living room fireplace. Its a bit more Shabby Chic than I had planned on going with, but I'm liking it a lot. But, knowing me I'll decide it isn't right and want something else. And that actually is fine because it would look great in our guest room which is beachy with white painted furniture.

Oh, and did you notice the cane woven demijohns on the mantel? Those were my first find of the day and I LOVE them!

Well the living room is coming along slowly but surely. Still need tables and some other things, but its coming together. Any thoughts...opinions?

On another note, this sweet little Craigslist find from this past Fall is still sitting in our living room. I'm perplexed...do I paint it, leave it alone?? I can't find any markings to give me an idea of how old it is. It doesn't have any veneer. Its solid wood! I think that means its older than say 1950s. But after hearing all of Eddie's great ideas this weekend I'm feeling like painting it and adding new hardware like.....

THIS!

via Oliveau

I also have quite a large collection of blue and white dishes and pottery. I've been collecting it since I was in high school as blue is my fav color! Eddie talked about these plates while on our tour Sunday and I snatched them up quick!

Flow Blue plates...a little chipped, not perfect, but beautiful!

This one is my favorite!

So it was a good trip and I met lots of new people who I hope to see again! Well, I'm off to fabric shop for an e-decorating client who lives----->

Here! Gorgeous!

via Shade of a Beech Tree

GIDDY!!!!

2010-03-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW...

the BIG DAY!

with

Eddie and Jaithan!!!!

Can you tell I'm just a wee bit excited? Did you get my pictures...the rose and then the bowl? hahahaha! I crack myself up!

I will be sure to take pics and share everything on Monday. I am so hoping for fantastic deals and great finds! And while I'm away I will have corned beef and cabbage cooking away in the slow cooker for our meal with friends in the evening. Should be a fabulous Sunday!

Bathroom update and a little dining room crush

2010-03-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...I promised to show pictures of our newly redone powder room on Monday. I swear, it's almost done. Today I have the little one going to a sitter for a few hours, so I can buy some finishing touches (shower curtain mainly). Also, a while back I wrote about another bath remodel in our home. Well, I never quite gave you guys the "after" lowdown. Let's just say, things didn't exactly go smoothly. We fired the original contractor, hired another set of guys to finish the job, we had to redo part of the tile that had been done wrong...ugh..! What a nightmare! But it is done and so I want to show that bath to you as well!

So hold tight kids! Pictures are a coming your way!

On another note, I haven't checked Tracery Interiors blog for a while and so I did so this morning when I woke up far earlier than I normally do and decided to surf the web. I'm in love with a dining room on their site...

So simple, so elegant. And look at that gorgeous chandelier!!!

I just love the beautiful arrangement of plates on the wall as well. I'm a BIG fan of hanging plates and already have my blue and white collection hanging in our kitchen/breakfast area. I'm thinking now of hanging some of my ironstone in the dining room to recreate this look!

A subtle design was painted onto the walls of the room. I love how it gives just a barely there look...feminine but subtle. Lovely. And that antique Tuscan sconce..wowzers...again, beautiful.

Such a great dining room... I'm in love!

Love, love, love

2010-03-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

I know that Valentine's Day has come and gone and that we are well into March, but I'm still super proud of myself for the mushy gift I got my hubby. We've been married just over five years and it was carefree until the yuck that was 2009. Sometimes I think saying "I love you" gets redundant. I was dead set to find something for my other half that would scream....I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND I STILL THINK YOU ARE TOTALLY AWESOME!

We had plans to go out of town President's Day weekend, which was also Valentine's weekend as well. We went an hour outside my husbands' hometown of Fresno to a small little ski resort with some local friends. We all brought our toddlers....it was crazy, an experience, and lots of fun. The tots got to experience snow for the first time which they loved and the parents got to go skiing/snowboarding while our awesome sitter watched the brood for us.

Ellie's first walk out in the snow! She kept saying "Mommy its sooo cooooold!".

Seeing her dressed like this makes me want to move to somewhere cold and snowy...JUST so I can see her in this cute outfit more often.

Sledding with Daddy was the BEST though! She couldn't get enough of it. I think my boy really liked it too!

So, back to the whole finding something to show Reed my Valentine's feelings.... The weekend before we went out of town I made french onion soup from here and steamed king crab legs....YUM! After dinner I brought Reed his present and I think he was shocked......

It's our wedding song! We're both huge Billy Joel freaks and actually I think this song has sort of become our family song and not just our "couple" song. I purchased the handmade sign from this etsy seller. She's got some other cute signs as well. I found out about this seller on another blog...of course now I can't remember which one! So here it is, now hanging over our sofa in the family room. I like the black and white punch in the room and it compliments our other new addition in the room...

My Restoration Hardware London Rail clock Christmas present..that was WAY back ordered! I didn't get it until the second week in January and we ordered it way back in November! Since there is so much going on with our huge bookcase in the room, I wanted to keep the other elements simple. That fireplace mantels' life expectancy is dwindling by the day! The husband is going to walk in one day with my sledgehammering it to pieces. I hate it! But that's another project for another day.

Here are some more shots from the room....

I finally got pillows made to match the chairs in the room. And I added my PB birthday pillows from my lovely MIL that have been hiding away. The room is really starting to come together.

Now to get rid of the old owners' way too swirly carpet and replace it with a nice seagrass rug. I'll put it on the list!

It's suppose to be a very wet, rainy weekend, so we will be FINALLY wrapping up our little powder room redo. The wallpaper is down, the painting is done, and the new lights are up. Just need to put up the finishing touches and I'll reveal it on Monday!

Happy Friday everyone!

Rose Bowl Flea Market WITH Eddie Ross!!

2010-03-03T18:22:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I am super excited!? I've been a So Cal native all my life AND I grew up very close to Pasadena and I'm ashamed to say I have never been to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. I think the task always seemed too daunting to me. I've done other, smaller flea markets, but I've always wanted to hit the Rose Bowl one.

Last week when I was catching up on my blog reading, I found out that Eddie Ross was going to be in town doing his flea market shopping trip! If you live in the Southern California area you need to sign up now for the event which is on March 14th. There may be a few more spots open for you to join in. Its going to be a fun day for sure!

Here are some photos from his last Rose Bowl trip. Sign up HERE!

all photos via Eddie Ross

Oh...and what am I looking for? Here is my list of hopeful finds:

1. Silver pieces

2. Old crocks

3. Oil or watercolor paintings

4. Campaign furniture

5. Faux bamboo furniture

6. Pretty linens

7. Ironstone

8.Old books

9. ??? The unknown....there's always something unexpected that may catch my eye!

Current Obsession

2010-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Boy, do I wish we had a money tree! Seriously, it's killing me right now that we have this big blank slate of a house and it still has a long way to go before the rooms are decorated the way I'd like. I shouldn't be complaining I know. But with all the fabulous home mags that have been showing up in my mailbox, decorating books I've been thumbing through late at night, and the creative design blogs I read each morning...I want to DECORATE!

Its probably best that its all been slow going so far since I can't nail down exactly what I'd like to do in each room. But I thought I would share some of my current obsessions for some of the rooms in our home. In this post lets focus on the master bedroom....

This is our bedroom in its current state. Here's what I'd like to add:

1. Slipcovered Parson Bench from Ballard Designs for the foot of the bed. Probably in spa blue linen.

2. A pair of gourd lamps in creamy white from Circa Lighting for the bedside tables.

3. Oversized wine bottles from Pottery Barn for the tall chest in the room. Would add more of the soft greens and blues we already have going on the room.

We also need art for the walls, maybe a nice comfy chair and ottoman...but that will just have to be added to the list for now. So until the room is complete I'll pretend it looks like one of these rooms ----->

via Velvet and Linen

via House Beautiful

via Phoebe Howard

via Barclay Butera

Nothing like a chicken dinner

2010-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Most people seem to reserve Sunday nights to make a nice home cooked meal that's a bit more ~~time consuming~~ comforting. But sometimes after a busy event weekend, Monday nights seem like the perfect day of the week to do a meal that make take a little bit more time.

With that being said I think many people feel that a roast chicken is a lot of work. It really couldn't be easier and I'm telling you girls...men will LOVE you for making it! With a little bit of prep you just stick the clucker into the oven and let it roast away while you finish laundry or..paint your toenails!

Here's how you do it:

1. Make sure your chicken is defrosted! Very important! I like to buy a few whole chickens at a time at Costco and pop them in the freezer for later use. I defrost them in our fridge, but sometimes they just sort of stay a bit icy. You'll have problems with under cooked chicken if its even a little frozen. So make sure it isn't!

2. Unwrap it, pull out all the yucky parts in the cavity of the chicken (giblets, neck, etc.) and discard. Wash the entire bird inside and out, pull out any pin hairs you may see that have been left in and pat dry with paper towels.

3. Liberally season the inside of the bird with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Then my favorite way to season the bird is to use citrus, herbs and garlic. There isn't really any set way to do this... You can't really mess it up. Just cut an orange in quarters, a lemon in quarters and a head of garlic in half then stuff it in the cavity of the chicken. Still room in there? Then cut another orange or lemon and stuff! I also like to cut some long sprigs of rosemary from our garden and stuff it in the bird. Smells divine while cooking and lightly flavors the entire bird. Nice.

Cut up some oranges and lemons....

4. Then once you got the bird nice and full with all the goodies, you need to tie it up so it cooks evenly. Don't know how to tie a chicken? Go here for some help. Then salt and pepper the entire outside. Before sticking it in the oven you can also add quartered onions, potatoes, and carrots on the bottom of the roasting pan. Then you just plop the chicken on top of all the veggies and they will all cook together. The chicken juices will nicely flavor the vegetables. I decided on a different side dish, so I skipped this part.

4. Stick your bird in an oven that's been heated to 400 degrees. I usually cook at least a 5 pound bird, so this size will take about an hour and 20 minutes to cook. I went a step further with this particular bird and juiced up one orange and a lemon. Then I added about two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to the juice, about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper. Every 15 minutes or so I would brush a little of my citrus fruit concoction over the bird. This just makes the outside brown a little nicer and gives the whole skin a nice citrus flavor too. You don't HAVE to do this part....but I didn't have laundry to fold or furniture that needed dusting, so I was sort of just hanging out in the kitchen.

Another note, keep your eye on the bird to make sure it doesn't overcook or burn on the top or at the bottom of your pan. If the roasting pan starts to burn just add some chicken broth to keep it from drying out the bottom. Check it after about 45 minutes with a meat thermometer. When your bird reaches 170 degrees take it out of the oven, tent it with foil for 5-10 minutes and let it rest. This will allow any juices that escaped to find their way back into the meat. Makes it nice and juicy!

I should have taken a pic of the bird right when it got out of the oven BEFORE my hubby could start carving into the poor thing! But you get the idea.

See! Simple and easy, low fat, and yummy! On the side I made a vegetable filled Morrocan Couscous, but I halved the recipe since it makes a TON and added diced and roasted (2) carrots, (1) large yam, (1) zucchini. Just dice the veggies up, throw them on a baking sheet, drizzle about one to two tablespoons of good olive oil and then sprinkle kosher salt and ground pepper all over everything. Stick the veggies in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

Of course now we have a lot of chicken left over, so I think since its planning on raining a bunch the next day or so, soup may be in order!

Valentines Day Wish List

2010-02-06T11:44:00.000-08:00

Just a few little things that I would like on Valentines Day. *hint hint* hubby!

Scotchmallow Hearts $16.80-Sees Candy

Lily Cami and Shortie Set $108-Eberjey

A much needed mani/pedi with---> Essie's Tart Deco $8.00-Essie

Beautiful flowers from the best florist in our area--->Enchanted Florist

Raindrop Ribbon Necklace $45.00- J.Crew

Poppy Nectar Tall Luminary $56.00- Lollia

2008 Sophia Blanc De Blancs $20.00- Francis Coppola Winery

Powder Room Redo: Chapter 1

2010-02-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Our new wonderful home is a classic Williamsburg style home. I'm a true believer in decorating a home somewhat along the lines of what style home it is. For example, if you have a Hamptons beach cottage, I think its silly looking to decorate the interior in Hollywood Regency style. I don't mind touches of a look you really like, but I do feel the homes' insides should somewhat reflect the outside.

With that being said, our new home was an abomination when we moved in! The previous owners LOVED Tuscan style...and not good Tuscan style...gaudy, old lady, over done Tuscan. It was bad! We've painted and replaced lighting in many of the rooms, but since we're not rolling over in cash...well its going to be an on going process for a while to come.

Our powder room is BEGGING us to help it. Here take a look...

The vanity area complete with a new vanity, lighting and oil rubbed bronze fixtures just not in the style I would go with. I would LOVE something like this...

from 219northcliffwood.com

Since the hubby will not allow me to rip the vanity out anytime soon, I'm thinking of possibly painting it white to match the kitchen that's white in the room next door. But the dark looks nice with the travertine tiles. Ah decisions, decisions.

Then did you see that wonderful lighting?!!! Yuck. Again, not umm my taste AT ALL! So that's definitely going. But since this is going to be a mini redo I think the old lady wallpaper will come down first and a coat of BM Lenox Tan will go up in its place. I would love to have polished nickle hardware in here but since the oil rubbed fixtures are brand new..they're going to stay. So here are some lighting choices I'm considering replacing the old ones with.

Restoration Hardware Sutton Single Sconce in Oil Rubbed Bronze $169

The Sutton sconce looks a lot like my inspiration picture. I like the touch of modern they would lend the room. Since the fixtures are so traditional, I think these would give a nice contrast.

RH Bistro Sconce in oil rubbed bronze $139

Soho Sconce $189 @ Shades of Light.com

Cone Shade Wall Lamp-Double Joint in Bronze $272 @ Shades of Light

The last light is a bit different for a bath. I got the idea via Urban Grace blog a while back. She wrote about her love for designer Rita Konig's bathroom she did for Domino Magazine. I like how unique it looks in a bathroom.

Rita Konig for Domino Magazine

So what do you think? Which lighting choice do you like best for the room? Oh and to help you gain a greater sense of what I'm working with, here are more pics of the rest of the room.

lovely shower umm drapery panel..don't you think?

Tumbled travertine tiles are pretty AND expensive I know, but I hate the diamond pattern they used. Oh and why oh why would you spend the money in bath and put in expensive tile work and leave the old too small bathtub? I'm perplexed. FYI the bath is VERY short and small. Since I regularly use this room to bath our little one...my back aches hunching over this thing.

To be continued.....

Little Mrs Do It All!

Did you know?

Off to greener pastures!

Front door style

Fall Color

Style Constants- Part Two

We've got a store up in here!

Style Constants- Part One

What a STEAL!

there goes my baby

FALL....ing in love with Fall

Garden shop heaven!

Life is sweet...

One year later...bathroom redo reveal!

Office Improvements!

Design shout out!

Yuck City...aka My Office

A few of my favorite things....

Sweet estate sale finds!

off to the library...

Just one more thing before the weekend...

Dining Room E-Design

a little weekday breakfast

Today is your birthday...it's my birthday too yeah!

my favorite birthday present

Summertime and the livin's easy!

Quick fixes to your home in a day

Pour Some *blog* Sugar on ME!

Cheap chic at Target!

Good start

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Thought for the night...

I've decided....

Weekend wrap up...

The Coachella recap

A few of my favorite things....

It's that time of the year...

Striped

Jessie's Living Room

Coachella Music Festival-What to bring!

Powder Room Redo: Chapter 2!

Happy St. Pattys Day!

Spring has FINALLY sprung!

GIDDY!!!!

Bathroom update and a little dining room crush

Love, love, love

Rose Bowl Flea Market WITH Eddie Ross!!

Current Obsession

Nothing like a chicken dinner

Valentines Day Wish List

Powder Room Redo: Chapter 1

Pour Some blog Sugar on ME!