I Love The Cat

We had a cozy christmas that involved a rendition of 'oh christmas tree' rewritten to say 'oh kitty cat'. We saw snow and ate lots of sweets and got lots of presents. Hope you're keeping cozy and being thoughtful about this year and the new one on the horizon. I'm taking some time to plot and plan and sleep. It feels so good.

Happy Fall Monday

The heat here in LA has been a real inhibitor to it feeling like Fall. But this morning when I had to move my car for street cleaning, I found these leaves on the ground. Finally. Fall.

5 Things Fall Makes Me Think Of

Inspired by Audrey's post I started thinking about how much I love Fall. And where I am the air is just starting to turn. The days are warm, the nights are crisp and the leaves are just beginning their descent into sleep.

5 thing autumn makes me want to do right now:

1. Make a crumble.
2. Go for a walk outside in the crisp air
3. Start wrapping things up for the year
4. Buy a new scarf and comfy sweater
5. Find a fireplace and sit and read by it

What do you want to do?

June Lake Getaway

If you're in California (or I guess even if you aren't) and want to go for a nice little jaunt into the snow I totally recommend checking out June Lake up the 395, just north of the turn-off to Mammoth. For one thing, it's small and kind of secluded even though it's only about 2 miles off the highway. The lake is beautiful, the mountain is open for skiing and you can stay in a number of really cute (and I mean CUTE, like stepping back in time cute) places like June Lake Pines which has individual cabins that appear to accommodate 2-4 people and Boulder Lodge which is the only resort with an indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna (though the sauna wasn't working when I was there). Boulder Lodge also has individual cabins that don't seem to be nearly as warm as the 'motel' area.

Poppytalk Handmade is at Home

Oh Poppytalk, how I adore your sense of style. Now it's nicely tied up in her Poppytalk Handmade Etsy Marketplace. Some of my favorite Autumn inspired items:

Orla Oh My

So Fall is definitely in the air. Whether it lasts is another thing. But for now I'm dreaming of cold weather and cozy couch time with some hot chocolate and these orla kiely mugs with the sexiest swooping handles:

September

September is a wierd month in California. And by wierd I mean the best. September is the best month of the year. The weather stays warm and the days still feel long-ish and the feeling of summer is still in the air. But then there's this other feeling. This slight cooling. This breeze. This something that tells you that things are changing. Even if you can't put your finger on it. And that space in between seasons, that's where I am sublimely happy. It's magic.

So, thanks for hanging around Summer:




And nice to see you again Fall (time to break out things that are comfy):

all images via Housemartin

How do you eat watermelon?

Eating watermelon has to be one of the most summery things you can do. It's so american I don't even know if other countries get as into it as we do (please ignore my ignorance). I thought that with all my years of experience I would know how to eat it. Well, E totally schooled me when he busted out his technique (passed down from generations in his family). Check this out:

You slice off a 'ring' of watermelon and put it on a plate:


Then you slice around the rind to release the melony yumminess, and slice it up like brownies.



Stick a fork in each piece and BAM more watermelon than you ever thought you could eat without it dribbling down your face.

I am officially a watermelon pig. Enjoy!

French inspired sailor bag

This isn't a fashion blog, but I can't help myself, I just found this bag made by Michelle Frantz. The navy blue with white buttons is so clean and crisp. A little retro, totally classic and just French nautical/sailor girl enough to sling over your shoulder and feel totally chic (and a little playful).

I heart Jacarandas

Did you know that Jacarandas are some of the only trees that have 2 blooming cycles each year? Nothing reminds me of summer more than a street lined with these beauties.

Everyone Hearts Peonies

Peonies are in season and I dont seem to be the only one that's noticed their irresistability:


from oh joy!



over at a browner brown



and from oh happy day via martha stewart flowers

Kitchen: Cupcakes

I'm normally too much of a snob to bake anything out of a box. But sometimes the occasion calls for Funfetti. In this case it was a backyard bbq and housewarming for my friend Nic. I decided to make cupcakes and was inspired by the ridiculous box. I figured it would at least be ironic. It turns out they were great -- I even tried some without frosting (from a can) and loved them. Apparently I AM an american.

Spring at Home

This weekend felt like the beginning of spring with passing clouds, sprinkles, sunny moments, and a windy night. I put these pink tulips next to the sink to welcome spring. I love this combination of pink and green (plus the green of my kitchen). It makes me smile everytime I do the dishes.

Flowers are the most immediate way to bring life back into my house (besides cleaning), especially if it's been shut up for the winter. If you can't find flowers you love at your local market or farmers market, try Organic Bouquet or
Oregon based Flower Bud