Summer Travels

A week ago I was at the Ace in 109 degree weather by the pool. Now I'm in Alaska (yes, again) fresh from a camping trip with my cousins in Denali National Park where we saw bears, wolves, eagles, moose, caribou and loads and loads of striking landscape. Anchorage has been clear the last couple of days so I've soaked in some stunning sunsets and views across the cook inlet. Summer is rolling along bringing change and some space. Back to LA soon enough.

Alaska

I took so many pictures in Alaska that it might take me the next year to get through them. I was only gone 10 days but I managed to ride in a float plane, catch a couple sockeye salmon, see bears almost every day, go off the grid, collect a lot of pretty rocks, ride in a lot of boats, see a lot of daylight, sea kayak, shoot some guns, hang out with three of the best dogs ever, meet some manly wilderness men, hang out with family, hike in places that maybe no one else has walked before.

It felt like summer camp. I laughed. I got wet. I got dirty. And reluctantly, I came home.

All the wilderness stuff was in Bristol Bay on Lake Ilimana at this amazing lodge: The Alaska Rainbow Point Lodge mainly known for its proximity to and expertise in fishing, but its situated so that it's essentially in the middle of some of the most breathtaking wilderness ever. (Also, this area is being threatened by a proposed copper mine that could destroy the entire ecosystem).






I promise to post more pictures and more details about the trip as I get through the photos. But if you're planning a trip to Alaska, email me, because I have a lot of information!

Alaska

Next week I'm going on a real vacation, on a plane and everything. I'm going to visit family in Alaska. They live in anchorage (in a house made of logs that they built) and we'll be taking a side trip to an out of the way, wilderness-y area that you can only access by float plane. It's going to be awesome. There won't be cell service, there will probably be bears and the sun won't set until around 11 at night.

Shake It

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! I spent mine married to my phone since I found this app that approximates the look of the old SX-70 land cameras. I got tipped off by one of my heroes, Tom Story at Sunset (interview with him forthcoming) and have gone a little crazy.



Since it's not easy to get film for them anymore, it's nice to be able to play around with the look from the comfort of my phone. Here are the deets on Shake It for the iPhone.

Cousin Reunion

Things are going to be a little slow here for the next couple of days. I'm deep into a long overdue cousin reunion. We just got back from the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs which continues to be awesome and perfect. I'm also loving this camera app for the iphone. I resisted for a while because it was too hyped, but it's basically awesome, so I gave in.

Distrito Capital Hotel by Joseph Dirand

I'm loving the simple palette and geometry of this hotel in Mexico designed by Joseph Dirand via the contemporist. Joseph Dirand and Landa Arquitectos have done a bunch of impressive hotels that balance simplicity with warmth and a touch of something rustic. Especially love this restaurant. The grey walls have so much texture that the interiors feel warm and cozy despite being totally minimal. Also, I'm completely jonesing to go on a road trip or an extended vacation. Or become a house wife. I want some time to swim in the internet looking at beautiful things and then still have time to go out and make my home a reflection of all the things I love. Who's with me?

I'm Going On Vacation!

It is much much needed and probably far too short...but should be a lot of fun. I'm checking out the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs for the next 3 days. I wish you all a relaxing weekend and will check back in with you next week!

(Image is from the la times)

Panini Party

The Apartment Therapy LA team got together recently for a Panini Party. Gregory took some nice pics and I ate my way through more food than anyone else, while still saving room for the Nutella Paninis (yes!). Emily made this amazing tarragon infused ice tea that was incredible and pink.

Oh if only every day was panini day.

Just 2 more days until I'm sitting by the pool in Palm Springs. I can't remember needing a vacation so badly...

Back from Vacation

Just spent 5 days in Oregon for my cousin's wedding. It was a nice break, but I'm slammed with work now. This image will have to make due until I can post more. The events leading up to this were: 3 days of drinking and dance parties on decks on a lake, lots of fried food, pinch hitting as a bridesmaid, 7:30 wake up for hair and makeup, taping boobs, taking a lot of pictures and then, finally, a lengthy conversation about lazy eyes.

It is going to be busy, posts will continue to be light, please come back and see me though. I like you.

Tiny Plane, Big World

We took the little plane to seattle and saw lots of mountains (Ranier, Mount St Helens, Mount hood, etc). It was pretty overwhelming to see such giant mountains at the same height as our tiny plane.



It was my best experience in the plane, since normally I'm fixated on the possibility of death. But the key is to sit behind the pilot, not next to him. I could stretch out and pass food around.





Watching Madmen on my iPhone came in a close second to seeing those peaks.

Seattle Was Fun

I had high hopes of covering lots from Coco and Kelly's Seattle Guide, alas, most will have to wait for next time. This is what we did:


We stayed at the Westin because we got a killer deal on hotwire. We were on the 28th floor and had a view of the sound. It was awesome.


The first thing we did was buy umbrellas because it was raining.


I forget why he made this face, but the point is: see that awesome scarf I convinced him to wear? He threatened to take it off after he got one too many lingering looks from other men.


We did the underground tour of Seattle. Lots of fun, totally recommend this.



Dinner at the Metropolitan Grill. Possibly the best steak I have ever had. Plus we ordered fancy drinks like the smokey martini.


Saw the fancy library with all its fancy architectural details.


He thought this should be turned into the Pacific Northwest's largest indoor climbing wall. He also suggested it be called the Ba-rock Wall.


Did make it to Velocity. Obviously one of us had a good time there.


Nothing beats the skies after a storm, or right before.


Then a quick stop at his uncle's goat farm. Seriously. I'd be lying if I said we didn't fight over my having to sleep at the goat farm. I did not.



I did get to meet Tom and Jerry, the puppies that will soon herd the goats.



And finally into the little plane and time to come home. We had to leave a day early because of a storm that was moving in.

On Vacation

I'll be back in a couple of days, I'm on vacation in Seattle!

Bizarro Vacation

I went on this trip over the 4th of july that was one of those out of body experiences where you catch yourself in the middle of a moment and think: is this really my life?

I think you'll get the idea. I'm all home-y, pretty things, let's make everything comfortable. This trip was lets gas things up, float down, and generally live life to its fullest. Also, there was an orchard (thank god).

Obviously this is with the bf's family: