The Gardens

There's always interesting and tantalizing things on 20x200,but I'm especially excited about The Gardens print by Tyson Anthony Roberts. I first learned about this artist and his abstracted landscapes on Modish. I am delighted to see his work available to the masses.

Sitting Pretty

Walking along the Strand (that's West Coast speak for boardwalk) in Manhattan Beach, its hard not to envy the beachfront homes and their first row center views of the ocean. I especially liked this patio seating arrangement. It looks polished, original, yet very comfortable. Easy to recreate.

Cozy Cowl Neck

As we were shopping yesterday, Alec informed me that cowl neck scarves are very "in " this fall as evidenced by H&M's accessory collection. I was impressed with my hubby's fashion skillz and decided to investigate deeper into this trend. Here are some yummy chunky scarves for sale:
Super cozy for chilly weather from Etsy seller Ozetta

Echo Double Infinity at Bloomies

French Connection "Snood"

Future Office-Guestroom

Its too early yet and I am getting ahead of myself, but there seems to be interest in our condo for sale so I am already planning rooms for the future abode. I really want a guest room to offer out of town visitors in place of the current couch situation. I think one of the rooms can double as a home office and a guest room. Here are the key pieces I'm eyeing that will allow me to create the room I want on a budget. I'm sure this will morph with time, but for now, here's what I got: white, clean, and earthy. I covet the sleek and simple CB2 graph desk. I'll hang a grid of cork boards immediately above it as a home for inspiration images. Both the Perla New Zealand Wool Rug and Futon Sofabed from Overstock will provide modern comfort for any overnight guest. A cute retro side table for the sofa bed, I'll find something on Craigslist. On top of that side table, the West Elm branch lamp (discontinued, but maybe I can find something similar online).

T-bird

Yet another boutique hotel that I want to check out in Texas. The second one in Texas of all places. I noticed the Thunderbird Hotel in Marfa, TX on this blog and read more here. I think I would really dig it in person. I could probably do without the animal skins on the floor though. For now I'll admire the quietly minimalist rooms that seem so comfy from afar and note that it would be a great stop on a very long road trip.

Poor Man's Tord Boontje

I splurged and ordered my own iconic Tord Boontje garland from Modern Poverty a while ago and I'm sad it still hasn't come. I've had a crush on his garland light and the Until Dawn curtain design for years now. But just today I discovered an inexpensive alternative from Molla Space: the Spring Flower Curtain. Its versatile to use as a curtain, light shade, divider, and much more. Who doesn't like a good knock off that feels like an original?
Spring Flower Light

Midsummer Light

Spring Flower Curtain

Until Dawn Curtain

Sell This Condo

We found a big townhouse to purchase - 4 whole bedrooms. Nothing would excite me more than to show it some love and document the process on this blog. But before we can close the deal and move, we HAVE to sell our 1 bedroom condo (redfin listing here). I love this place with all my heart but after 5 years we have outgrown it. There is no room for a small family. But it is full of bright light, tree top views, and special design touches throughout. The location is unbeatable in LA. Its a block away from the pedestrian heaven that is trendy downtown Culver City. If you know anyone who is interested in purchasing a pristine one bedroom condo in West LA for under $300K, please refer them to our agent, Elizabeth. There is an open house this weekend. Wish us luck...