{four.for.Friday}: Let's get nautical!

Perhaps this post is inspired by a little daydream to sail away...away from my three screaming children and these long, sometimes less than wonderful, days of summer.

1. Yup, I need Jonathan Adler whale bookends.
2. I think Tim and I need matching Saint James nautical tees. This unisex one is from J.Crew.
3. And seriously, who doesn't love Salt-water Original Sandals?
4. Loving the rope detail of this Anthropologie Reata counter stool.

happy weekending. ..We are excited for some of our favorite people visiting from out of town, beach days and lemon cocktails.

fish taco fantastico.

Last week, we received a phone call that we were being sent some fresh Alaskan fish caught by Tim's dad (who is currently vacationing there). Not just some fish, 13.2 pounds of amazing halibut and salmon.

A fish taco party was in tall order! We gathered up some of our dearest friends, margaritas and the fun began.

{clockwise: succulent can, T eats a taco, stack of plates, puppy love}

Everyone was kind enough to pitch in on taco toppings. We ended up with such an amazing assortment: smoked Gouda, Baja cream , very amazing margaritas, pickled red onion, cabbage, lettuce, guacamole, salsas, cabbage salsas, homemade mexican rice and homemade pinto beans.
This had to be one of the smoothest stress free gatherings ever. Summer perfection. Marisa McBride was kind enough to snap some photos, I guess I was too busy drinking.

{taco love, halibut & salmon, girl gang, a perfect plate}

Feeling so thankful.

{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.)