{for for Friday}: falling forward.

Ah, fall is officially here. The weather is a little crisp and pumpkins are nicely displayed outside of all the local stores.

This week has been long, hard and tiring. I am realizing that I complain more than I should on this blog. I love my kids. But with Tim working some l.o.n.g. hours, three kids at three different schools with three different schedules is a lot.  I am tired and busy.

Hoping to adapt to this new fast paced run-around-like-a-chicken-with-its-head-cut-off lifestyle. In ottcreative news, I have some ideas up my sleeve for the next few months, stay tuned.

{clockwise: necklace, pillow, map art, sweater}

happy weekending--
and sorry for the sub-par photoshopping, like I said, the spouse has been missing.

memories are made of this.

This past Saturday, I had the honor of being involved in a wedding. I was asked to style the event and most importantly help the brides visions and ideas come to life.

It was a wonderfully magic wedding. The bride and groom's unique sense of style and grace was definitely present. It really was one of the most personal, sweet, and clever weddings I have ever attended.

It was truly a group effort, with many of the bride and grooms dearest coming together to help make this day as lovely as ever. The friend that married them. The friend that baked the wedding cake. The friend who brought his mobile brick pizza oven (seriously one of the coolest things ever!) There were friends that set up. The friend who curled the brides hair. It really does take a village, and it was nice to be a part something so special and personal.

{mexi crepe paper arch. my pride & joy}

 I am eagerly awaiting photos from the photographer, until then I will leave you with this one I snapped on my iphone.

thank you, Jake & Sara, for allowing me to participate and enjoy your special day.

{four for Friday} running late

one/ two/ three/ four

Sometimes late is better than never. This is dedicated to my beautiful amazing big sister. Happy birthday and this one is for you.
Yup, it's the thought that counts.

spot on Stella!

The new autumn winter collection for Stella McCartney Kids is perfection. Enjoying the clothes, patterns and the styling. If you have a few minutes, visit the website here, roll your mouse over the looks in the collection. Thank you Stella McCartney.

love the props, love the clothes.

Now back to the workroom, to hopefully finish some projects. And hip hip hooray for fall soup weather.

{four.for.Friday} can you hear my heart beating?

This week, as always, has been busy. I am running in circles, or at least up and down the hills of Cardiff: picking up and delivering children. Squeezing in exercise, meals and work in the cracks.


This week is four things to calm my nerves. Or brighten my day.

1. Gus Modern's Truss chair that I am having a want/need relationship with.
2. Love the curves of this multi stem vase.
3. Geometrically perfect Donna Wilson's Ogilvy pillow.
4. The whimsy, seashore, and color on this vintage Starvangerflint Plate would make me smile daily.


happy weekending!
xo

for the love of crepe paper.

Some mornings are a little stranger than others. Today is one of them.

My daughter is home sick today, and I am still trying to wrap my head around yesterday's Missoni for Target drop that went a little wild (crashing the target site, lines, brouhahas, etc).  I did actually stop by my local target after the kids were dropped off for school Tuesday morning. I was planning on picking up the Missoni for Target ballet flats for myself, but they were long gone, instead I bought a pair for each of my girls. But man-oh-man it was a scene. Good thing I am not that into it, but I did want those flats. Rumor has it that all Targets are going to restock, so patience people.

{some inspiration  here here here here}

Anyway, I am currently happily under a pile of crepe paper for my latest project. Good thing I love crepe paper as much as I do.

I have good taste in woodcarvings.

Another three day weekend, which translates to a lot of family time. I love my little family, seriously I really do! But losing my private time, kind of sucks a little. Anyway, we were able to make it to hit the beach, attend all the soccer activities, clean out the garage and watch some movies.

On Sunday, will Tim was watching the Charger game and the kids were happily scootering about the yard, I decided to sneak off for a little shopping time.

Cedros Avenue, in Solana Beach, is considered the design district. It is one of my favorite streets to browse, and yesterday was no different.

all these things were left behind...for now.

I left without the vintage woodcarving (picured above), but can not stop talking about it, so I am headed back today to hopefully bring it home.
I mean who doesn't love circus acts?

{four.for.Friday} blackout.

Well, that was fun.

The blackout made for some fun family memories, but today is a little bumpy. The schools are closed, but Tim still has to work. And then there was that decision last night to drink all the beer in the fridge. So today is headache, kids home and gray weather.

So what did we do during the black out you ask?....we headed to the beach for a swim, ate leftover burritos (heated on the gas stove), read books and hung out with our neighbors.

I was so happily surprised at the Cardiff by the Sea rally. I headed to Seaside Market to pick up some ice, and was greeted with a store that stayed open, rationed ice and set up a BBQ to keep our community fed. The Store employees and business owners were all working together to keep everyoen safe and fed. I love my community.

So no shopping lust today, instead four things I realize I need to gather for the next emergency.

this is not my house, image was found here

1. A phone with a cord. Since all our phones are cordless, we were unable to use our homephone. We had our cell phones handy, but service was questionable.

2. Flashlights with working batteries.

3. A battery operated radio and clock.

4.  Emergency backpack with emergency food, camp equipment and the like. Because had this situation gone on much longer, the Otts would have been pretty screwed.

I guess it takes a scare to help get our butt in gear.

happy weekend all!!

going north a bit.

Three day weekend means a chance to get out of town. Tim and I loaded up the kids, ditched the dog at my sisters and headed north.

Destination: Pasadena. To visit old friends, and pick up some chairs.

We had a nice little get away. Pasadena is a lovely place, even though it was hotter than hot.


We stayed at the most amazing house belonging to our dearest friends.

The main house is really cool. It is filled with books and art, and perfect paint colors. I try not to get too jealous when we visit. Seriously, the walls are covered with an impressive art collection. Every time I visit, I leave with a new sense of self. Looking at dozens of art and design books in their perfectly soft aqua sunlight room is mental yoga.

Their backyard is magical with a treehouse, white lights and a cool guesthouse - office - art room space. The kids had a great time visiting, too. They played and read, and played some more.

And I was able to visit intelligentsia coffee. It was as positive experience. I really like good coffee, and I was happy the experience met the hype.

a rainbow!

Unfortunately, the chair pick up didn't end up happening due to some planning issues on our part. Who knew storage units are closed on major holidays?!?  I guess we will have to go back.

Friday again! {four.for.Friday}

This is has been a great week. We all are trying to get back into a normal routine of school, activities, homework and soccer practice. But still smiling the entire time.

1. I love the print on this Sagaform Stoneware Storage Jar, found at Pigment. $25
2. Cheesy Marquee Light. Yes please! Now back in stock at Urban Outfitters. $199
3. This EVOKE Mio radio by Orla Keily is too cute. I hope it sounds as good as it looks. £150
4. Essie Demure Vix nail polish $8. Yes, I know $8 is quite an in vestment for nail color, but the finish is so perfectly eggshell. I am loving this lavender color for fall, but there are lots of fabulous Essie colors. Take the leap, you will thank me.

happy weekending y'all!