Monday Meow!

This is Cleo. She belongs to my sister and her husband. Cleo's got a camera ready face but she is also a persistent drooler and farter. No joke.

Gettin' on-a jet-plane!

Off to witness our friends Stephen and Sean tie the knot. I love weddings!

Probably won't be blogging here during the trip but you better believe I'll be instagraming like crazy. Follow our adventures there (elauinc), via my Flickr stream here or on Ink361 here.

We got decked!

I have complete confidence that Sergio could have built it just as beautifully as he finished the other patios. However, he just doesn't have enough free time right now. I prefer that he spend the bits of free time he does have with me. Since we wanted to enjoy the deck THIS Summer, we took the plunge and hired someone based on a friend's recommendation. It turned out amazing. Thanks Diana and Mike for the tip!



Sergio designed it using Google Sketch-up. There was a slight design revision once construction started, but on the whole, I felt the end product was quite faithful to the original idea.



I loooove all the sexy angles and lines.



The back of the house has come a long way since 2009 when we first moved in. There was no sliding glass door at the time as you can see from this old post. Installing that was a huge leap. And now...wow. You would not believe how dramatic the difference is in terms of how we are relating to the backyard. We go outside more often now that we don't have to balance our way down a wonky plastic step stool. You can sorta see the corner of the wretched stool in this picture. The original door opened on the other side where the brick steps are in that photo.

My new favorite luxury is sipping coffee on the bench while watching all the different birds zoom in and out of the trees foraging for their breakfast. It's the most serene way to start a Sunday.





You can see a few more photos here on my flickr account.

Monday Meow!

Micio seems perfectly fine with her new harness and settled right into a coveted spot on our new deck (more on that tomorrow). And red becomes her, don't you think?

Dad is 82!

I do hope I scored some of those anti-aging genes the man seems to possess in spades. Seriously. He is looking good, right? I guess it helps to sport a fly demin vest and punky military-style cap. yup. He be cool.

The celebration wasn't much different from last year's celebration. Except MUCH better restaurant.






I am fully aware of how lucky I am that his mind is sharp and his body, though a little slower, is still relatively hale. He has been this way all my life and I can't imagine him a different way. When asked what he wants for his birthday, he always replies: "Let's just have a nice meal together."

Full set here.

7. Breakfast

Thrifty Thursday! 5.10.12

Bought this capiz chandelier several weeks ago at the Rose Bowl Flea One of our favorite finds ever.

6. Drink

Blogger Meet-Up

Jessica Davis is an interior designer who blogs at The Eagle's Nest. She reached out and invited me to a Blogger Meet-Up she hosted last Sunday. I was so honored to be included! Unfortunately, I cut outta there so quick for Nelson's birthday, I only got to chat with a couple of the people! Judging by the burger exchange emails that ensued post meetup, there must have been some great and fun conversations I missed out on. Boo.

Anyway, I did manage to snag a tour of Jessica's beautiful home. It's tucked up against a hill in Eagle Rock and is gorgeously turned out, natch. I was particularly taken with the nursery, adorned with pale blue/white stripes on the ceiling. But, I didn't want to be too rude so I contained my photo taking to the living/dining area when I had a tiny moment to myself.



When you get a chance, hop on over to these blogs. You'll find a treasure of style, creativity and inspiration. Each is a beautiful, delectable rabbit hole to fall into.

Kelly Lambert: www.craftedesign.com/blog/

Jessica Ahnert Davis: www.nesteaglerock.com

Sarah Ehlinger: www.verysarie.com

Amanda Habbershaw: www.lovecreativeblog.com

Theresa Dykes: www.inspirationcooperative.blogspot.com

Kelly Lanza: www.studiodiy.com

Callie Bloem: www.callmecal.com

Jen Sobel: www.punkyandthecity.com

Irene Lovett: www.designstiles.me

Sunday with friends

Liz invited us over to their place to celebrate Nelson's birthday. There was margaritas, tacos, a pinata and lots of babies. Above is one of them. That handsome face up there is Miles'. You guys remember Miles right? Though, I guess he's not really baby anymore.

It's been so long since we've seen this group of friends. We sat around catching up until well past midnight. A party you never want to leave is just the best.

Work + Play Saturday

We went dancing last Saturday! It was a blast!



Before that though, we had such a busy day. I made Portabello steak and eggs for breakfast (no meat). Tasty! We spent the entire day cleaning (ugh) and then I made Kale Chorizo Manchego pizza. Very tasty!



Laure came over to grab some ambient shots in our yard of a product that is launching soon. Everyone had such nice things to say when they got here, we were like proud parents. I hope the agency chooses at least one of the product in our house!



And then, we rushed off to say hey to Whitney at Myrtle for the Tomboy Style book signing party. We missed Lizzie but Whitney let me trade the copy I got earlier with an autographed copy. She also gave me a generous pour of Jack + rhubarb soda. Of course, I spied a couple tops I am pretending not to plan on going back to get. (sigh)

Then we skipped a few doors down to Mohawk Bend to wave at Laura and Kate and a bunch of other cute gals I hope to meet again soon.

Then it was off to the Echo for Funky Sole Night to celebrate Andrew's birthday where we sipped more whiskey and danced the night away.



It really was a great day. It's so wonderful to get to know new friends.

P.S. Apparently instagram has taken over as my photo capturing method of choice. Photos from my real camera in the next post. Promise.