{four.for.Friday}: Love this time of year.

When we lived in San Francisco, summers were cold and foggy, onshore winds and a choppy uninviting ocean. Fall was where its at. Warm days and long, warm, city nights. The surf was starting to do its thing at Ocean Beach and the outdoor restaurants and bars were hopping. The tail end of summer and early fall is my favorite time of year in Cardiff as well. My four.for.friday picks are inspired by all these thoughts. Throw on some new music, a comfortable shirt, shoes and a simple chair for the beach, park, wherever.

1. New Montalban Quintet album, recorded in Encinitas, check 'em. $0-$??
2. New Firefly chambray shirt from HUF, San Francisco. $68
3. Van's designed by Ando. Like a cleaned up wino. $39.95
4. Ok, it's super functional, folds up and has built-in strap. Keep it simple. $29

finding the magic

There are moments, usually placed in between trying to create something or do something, that are magic.

We beached on Sunday afternoon with friends and family. I, as usual, played the role of planner.
The kids were pretty bothered and whiny. Tears, sand, frustration, spilled wine, broken bucket. I felt a little disappointed.

Then this. A few minutes of pure joy and happiness. Adult conversation. Beautiful Sunset. I went home feeling like a winner.

photo by the beautiful k.miller

And I love this Faile art. My favorite ever. Impossible to find. If only I had some magic finding a print of Surfer Horse III.

Image found here. & in select very lovely homes.

{four.for.Friday}: Where is the sun?

Summer started off nice. but the last few days were a bit grey. Is it really over before it ever really got started?

1. Love this color dippness of Anthropologie's Windsor Love seat.
2. Who doesn't lust for metal tone sandal flats? These gems are from Seychelles.
3. I like stripes! And this Marc Jacobs bag is a keeper.
4. I.need.this.mirror. from Wisteria. I mean I would if my living room walls were big enough to hold it without collapsing into a pile of drywall dust.


We've got big plans this weekend to hit the beach and ComicCon, visit dear friends and eat smores! Let's do this.

Stitches Summer 2011

Remember this peek behind the scenes?

Check out this little video for Stitches Summer 2011. Pretty cute daisy chains, tents, and props don't you think?
I really did have the best time shopping and creating the props for this one!

weekend treasure hunting

What an exciting weekend. We headed to the beach twice, celebrated our nephew turning two, went for a long walk to get donuts, and did some treasure hunting.

I was able to slip away for a few hours early Sunday morning for an adventure with Alexandra of Rustic Rooster.

The weather was right, the crowds light and we had a great time giggling through the aisles. I went home with a few treasures: a blue and white bowl, a little travel case and a few other odds and ends.

After some shopping we had a nice lunch and toasted friendship, blogging and living in one remarkable little town.

(cheers Alex, thanks for the invite, let's do it again real soon.)

my first scrap meet

Last Thursday night I was invited to a scrap meet at the clever and cheerful m•o•m shop right here in Encinitas.

Although it sounds like I lost my mind and started scrapbooking, it was actually a chance to unload some old fabric scraps and trade for some new ones. And since it was in the evening, drinks were promised.

I love getting rid of stuff, finding new treasures and drinking, so I was quickly on my way.

(clockwise from top left: Bethany of m•o•m holding my sad 1960's styled plate of celery, Amber's creme brulee cleverly made in little mason jars, bag of scraps for sale at the shop, cute dot banner and diner aprons)


It was a nice night to share a few laughs, eat, drink and I went home with some fabric winners. More details of the evening here.

(clockwise from the left: Eve scores a dress, the leftover pile, details, chit chatters)

Another creative idea from Bethany and Tere! Thank you for including me I had a blast, as always. And thanks to Michelle, Melissa, Betsy, Bianca, Amber, Eve, Jessica, Lia & Stacey (& any others I forgot) for making it such a memorable night.

{four.for.Friday: summer whites}

Summer is in full swing. The sun is mostly out and we have been hitting the beach and park with real gusto.

This week my lust list includes: 1. Jonathan Adler's hitch vase  2. Madewell's market tote  3. Terrain's tri-color tablecloth  4. Vintage Scalloped Vase found at etsy shop Where SourGrass Grows

yes, please to all four.
happy weekend.

the little things.

My want-to-be crazy coupon lady antics has led me standing in certain aisles in Target longer than is appropriate. My technique is a bit of a sit and stare and focus.

Yesterday, I found this toothbrush. Not only was it practically free, I think the pattern is fantastic.

It really makes me happy when I brush my teeth. So, thank you Reach for creating a designer series of toothbrushes. It's always the little things that make my heart happy. Little things like seashells, colored  thread, and teeny tiny wild flowers.

A morning of Lego's: Finn turns 6!

Saturday morning we celebrated Finn turning 6 with everything Lego's. The party was thankfully a total success! It was the first party I have hosted that some parents dropped off their kids, and I was worried I might end up with a gang of first graders gone wild! We kept the party moving with structured games and activities.

 

 (clockwise from top left: the frosted to-the-best-of-my-ability Lego cake, Lego head lanterns that Tim and I had so much fun making, free play Lego mess, Finn made Lego bowl)

.. and then there was the Lego wall, nicely displayed here. I ended up with a blister (craft injury?) on my finger from punching all the holes, but the effect was nice.

  (clockwise from top left: my paper Lego garland, the scramble to grab the Legos & candy that fell from inside the pinata, the finish line from the Lego car race, another snack filled Lego bowl)

 We played two games... Pin the Lego face on the Lego guy. The kids really enjoyed drawing their own Lego faces. And build your own Lego racer car which were then we raced then down a ramp. Both were hits!

 (clockwise: dublo mess, Finn's welcome sign, my very bright and fluffy homemade pinata, and Finn hands out Lego candy filled wax paper bags)

Whew! It really was a nice little party. Honestly, I am just really so happy it's over. Two summer birthday parties down, one more to go...

a 4th to remember & let's Lego it up

This last week & weekend has been nuts. A trip to San Francisco, a family wedding, my little boy turned 6 and an amazing fourth of July. We beached, bike paraded and watched the fireworks.

And we are quickly switching gears, Finn's big Lego birthday party is this weekend.  And I present his candelabra...more lego projects to come.

go America!

I hope your 4th is sparkly!

Now get outside and enjoy this weather! xoxo.

{for for Friday}: vacation photos

We are up in the Bay Area for a family wedding. Vacationing as a family of 5 is memory-making fun, but also very tiring & frustrating. They seem to fight more, there was even a fight over who got to sleep on the floor more. So no four for Friday shopping lust, I am sharing San Francisco instead.

Yesterday, we escaped to the city and checked out lots of amazing spots; a walk down memory lane and some new surprises. Here are four of the highlights.

(clockwise from top left: Finn is gifted our good pal Aleks Petrovitch's pelican, the scenic drive on the Golden Gate Bridge, Academy of Sciences' living roof & Doggie Diner head at Sloat.)

happy weekending & a very happy 100th birthday to Cardiff by the Sea. Which has got to be the best town ever.