Broken English

What a great, refreshing movie this was! It was the perfect film to see with 4 of my best friends tonight. Parker Posey was pretty much a wreck throughout, but then found romance in France and in the end it was so romantic and sweet. I just love when movies work out. Now I really want to go (back) to Paris - the shopping, the cafes, the sights...

Imagery Epicurean Delight!

Last night was simply amazing. I felt like a star! We had a private family dinner at the gorgeous Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery in Kenwood. When I say private, I mean the entire winery was closed down and we had it all to ourselves, one table sat in the center of the art gallery with lit candles, crystal and personalized menus. Many many thanks go to Stephen who bought this private dinner at a charity auction, and we were lucky enough to enjoy it all together as a family. The food was scrumptious, the art was divine and the wine (oh, the wine)...melted in our mouths. The photos are of the familia, I am the one peeking around in red - enjoy!

Daisy Shower

I have some baby showers coming up so I've been searching around for ideas. I love this Daisy Shower that was in Martha Kids - it's so happy & refreshing.

Fancy Tape Dispenser

Every so often my boss, Reed, asks us for a list of supplies that we need in the office, and as you could imagine - we're always happy to comply. So last month I listed (among other items like cool pens, etc.) a "fancy tape dispenser", not knowing what he'd come back with, but hopeful none the less. Well, he really came through. I have a fancy lucite tape dispenser that sits proudly on my desk, and now I kind of want the matching stapler...I'll put that on the next list!

I want this so bad!

I know the blackberries are just bursting ripe right now and I've been saying (like a broken record) that I need to go picking soon. NOW I have inspiration! How delicious does this blackberry tart look (it's from Seven Spoons). Hopefully, come Sunday, I will have basket in-hand ready for picking these plump & juicy little morsels.

so good! french onion soup

Today my friends & I went to this little French joint for lunch. We had french onion soup and open faced baguette sandwiches. SO so good. If you want the experience yourself, here's a recipe for the soup, otherwise go to La Boulange in Mill Valley. Yum.

fruity beverage?

I saw these great cups on Hostess with the Mostess, so cool for a pool party or a beach wedding.

Fit Flops

Are these for real?? Sounds like a longshot - but I may be willing to give these a try! "Fit Flops" are supposed to actually tone & strengthen the thighs, calves & glutes - oh, and, to quote directly from the website, "...makes your bum smaller!". They're from the UK and seem to be sold out everywhere. While not the cutest shoe in the world, I just have to have them (if I can find them, of course).

banana bread goodness

Yesterday was a harder-than-usual type of day, and it's those days when you realize how great it is to have wonderful friends! Jenny brought over a freshly baked, warm, just out of the oven banana bread to our house and all seemed to be good in the world. We had it for an afternoon snack and then again for breakfast with butter. Thank you!

PaPaYa Cards

I have a small obsession with cool paper & great graphics - I will openly admit to that - they get me every time. Check out these mini works of art created by Anahata Joy Katkin - amazing collage-like artwork, all bohemian style. I've been buying these cards at Whole Foods, they're just too pretty to pass up, and then I found a whole web site of goodies, like the 2008 calendar - never too early to order one of these, right?

surf shack chic

Love the style in these homes, breezy & beachy. Not sure if I like the green walls, but everything else is just fine by me.

{more} Surf Art

Since I don't live at the beach, I'll just decorate like I do. Domino did a feature this month on Surf Art and it's so inspiring! I'd love to cover an entire wall with a random mix of 1960's-esque surf paintings, prints and photos.

Blueprint Fonts

I'm sure you've noticed the great/funky/unusual fonts that are used in Blueprint magazine. This Flikr page has them all - and they're available to purchase. Love, love, love (I'm kind of a font junky like that).

Guava Margarita

Oh me, oh my - could this margarita be any prettier? It's (almost) Friday, and this looks so darn refreshing I could drink one through my monitor (swear I didn't try).

Fresh Foliage Brushes

Check out these cool Photoshop brushes, all foliage related, so my speed. I'm downloading as we speak, can't wait to design away with these.

Plums with yogurt & honey

Try this! Last night I stopped at Whole Foods and bought 2 gorgeous plums. This morning I halved them and topped them with plain yogurt and honey. It felt like I was on vacation - those plums are crazy sweet and the whole combo was kind of delicious.

design your own purse

I was browsing through a Coastal Living that my coworker Sarah gave me today, and came across the best idea by freddyandma.com. Go to their website, they take you through step by step until, oi~la, you have created your very own purse (or clutch, hobo, etc..) The fabrics are gorgeous, too, there's a peacock clutch I have my eye on.

Fresh Brew - for one

I'm the only coffee drinker in my house (I've been trying to convert Dave for years with no luck), so this coffee press for one, by Forlife, is a must. I love the clean design, but most of all the colors - I can't decide between the orange or the turquoise, but I'm sure either one will be a welcome start to my morning ritual.

Dreamy Summer Retreat

Someday I'll have a beach house, and when I do, it will look exactly like this one. This one has it all: sea grass rugs, remote control awnings, cabana, bunkhouse, barbecue, gorgeous dining table, fire pit & tent cabins for extra guests. Just look at that kitchen! It's fun to dream.

Laceless Converse = yes

OK, I don't really wear sneakers very often, unless I go for a hike or go to the gym. On the weekends I'm mostly in flip flops or cute sandals, heels for the evenings out, and wedges for work. But lately I've been a little obsessed with these laceless Converse. Perfect weekend wear!

Pansy Ring

Just look at this adorable ring - delicate & sweet and I think perfect for the pinky or (now this is crazy-talk) thumb?

bliss on a mat

I took the most amazing yoga class last night. Yoga truly washes all the yuck out of my world and leaves me in total bliss at the end. Namaste.

Fab Photos

I came across these photos on Oh Joy! by Alicia Block and they are insane - I adore the colors and overall beachy-ness. She leaves dust & scratches on to give it a more vintage feel and I think it all works beautifully.

Summer Soiree {supplies}

Having a summer soiree? I've been noticing so many cute things out there lately, I may just have to have a party... these umbrella straws are just begging to be in a minty mojito, this straw hat looks great with just about any sun dress, and these melamine plates are so cool!

Wanted: serious food inspiration

I am totally out of ideas of what to cook. I need simple, healthy recipes that are full of color (but not the kind that I'd have to run out & buy saffron for). There are some yummy ideas in Real Simple this month, but any ideas are helpful!

Gardens to Gush Over

That pool! Those palms! These lush green gardens are from InStyle & Domino(but of course). Dave has been working tirelessly on our friends garden, landscaping it beautifully from the ground up. So, our house is filled with clippings & garden mags, and I've just got gardens on the brain.

Domino Relic

Does anyone remeber this Domino issue from 2005? We are trying to re-create this room on the cover for our office/guest room and I'm having trouble finding a duvet cover like this, also a rug like this. Any suggestions?

things I love: Succulents

Besides being pretty and incredibly easy to grow (they multiply like crazy), succulents look great in containers. We have tons in our garden, and we love to place them in between rocks and other crevices to watch them spread & flower.

A Rooftop View

Last night we watched the fireworks from a neighbors rooftop and it was just great! The views were incredible and it just seemed so private. It got me thinking how cool it would be to have a rooftop garden - imagine the possibilities! I envision lush tropical plants, cozy furniture, outdoor speakers, and a firepit for roasting marshmallows.

Happy 4th of July!

Apricot Splendor

For the last week we've been swimming in apricots in my office. All the thanks go to Reed and his gi-normous tree (isn't it lovely?). Please send apricot-related recipes my way if you have them!

Handkerchief Blouse

Leave it to Free People to make a dreamy top like this! I might just have to have it.

Go Giants!

On Sunday we went to the Giants game with our friends Alex & Travis. It was such a gorgeous day in the city, plus the Giants won 13-0. You can't help but get excited at the ballpark, with the thumping music & the yummy food. Afterwards we shopped on Union Street and then to Betelnut for dinner, that place is a treat for tropical drinks and small tasty dishes. Sorry about the blurry pic, I took it with my phone.

mmm...The Fig Cafe

Our good friend Bryan is the chef & general manager at The Fig Cafe in Glen Ellen. We love this place. The food is fresh and delicious, and not too fancy schmancy, it's kind of the perfect place to eat. The mac 'n cheese (grown-up style) is out of control, and Dave loves the steak with blue cheese butter. Last night I almost got the scallops over corn risotto(next time!), but I don't usually stray from my usual. Arrive early, there's always a line out the door and they don't take reservations. For out-of-towners, it's a perfect excuse to spend a day in the wine country. Check out their great reviews. One more thing - no corkage fees, so bring your own vino!