Fencing

While most people admire the pretty houses and perfect yards in their 'hood, I have a thing for fences. I always manage to meander past my favorite walls no matter which bike route we take.




I love how my partner in crime managed to cruise his way into this pic...

Fluffy Tailed Culprits

My dog needs this dapper squirrel hung above her food bowl. Perhaps if sweet Burks stared at him long enough, she'd have a change of heart in wanting to chase down all those fluffy tailed culprits.

Corn-Fed

The very best corn on the cob in the whole wide world. If you can't get your fix at NYC's Cafe Habana, you can easily make your own:

Remove all but one layer of husk and grill corncob. Strip off any remaining husk. Slather 1 part mayonnaise and 1 part crema fresca on corn. Lightly sprinkle with cayenne pepper and chilli powder, top with grated Cotija cheese. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chow down. Warning: highly addictive.

The Simple Life

This photo from Sköna hem reaffirmed my love for the simple life.


In a few years, J and I plan to expand our tiny bungalow and we often discuss our overall vision. I salivate over glass tiles and honed counters as much as the next design-obsessed junkie, but my personal taste is more primitive and raw. We like to pick and choose our areas of luxury [nice appliances since we actually cook] while keeping everything else more exposed, industrial and earthy. A balance of both worlds.


As a disclaimer, yes, I do love well-made shoes, $2,000 footstools and daydreaming of no holds barred shopping trips, but in reality nothing makes me happier than the simple things in life. Weekends filled with low key dinner parties or boat rides in the bayou. Fresh flowers, nice weather, and an untested cocktail recipe. A new crop of veggies at the market and taking my bicycle out for a spin.

What's your idea of the ultimate perfection?

[some sources from: Martha Stewart, Sue Rohrer, Freemans Sporting Club, John Derian, William Meppem, Blake Dollahite]

Low-hanging Fruit

Last time I was in Louisiana, we helped ourselves to some plants at my grandparents' house. I came home with a lemon tree, shrimp plants and Wandering Jew, among others that I'm not sure of their names.

I've been begging for fruit trees for years now. However, my man knows me well. We will never use all the fruits produced which will result in them falling on the ground, the dog will eat them, bugs will be drawn to them, and J will have to clean up the mess. He's kind of right. It took everything in his heart to put this lemon tree in the truck and cart it to Texas; I think I know why he caved.

Exhibit A: Said Lemon Tree

[The greenery that appears to be growing off the tree is actually from a plant on the fence. Understand there was nothing green about this tree.]

I swore I could bring it back to life, but honestly I was delusional. J came home when I was watering it and said, "Just making sure it doesn't catch fire, huh?" For the past 3 weeks I have given him a play-by-play on the tree's progress: still no leaves or fruit. Today I came home and found a fantastic surprise!

Exhibit B: Said Fantastic Surprise


A new and improved Meyer lemon tree was sitting in the planter looking as though my efforts finally paid off! I also have a fruitful lime tree in a beautiful new redwood box planter...it's as though I got my own Blog Fairy without every posting of my wishes!

Ivy League

This Sue Rohrer house makes me smile from ear to ear. I could picture us living in something like this for years to come...although I'd probably lay awake at night wondering how many rats were nesting in my ivy and greens.

On a High Horse

Erin of Elements of Style has a great post on Mecox Gardens and their fabulous merchandise. When I spotted Lord Denver's Prize Horse "Aditoc" segmented prints, I immediately began thinking of ways to save $4 grand for this Triptych. He needs a good home!

Red, White, and Blue

A bit of patriotic inspiration just in time for the 4th. Luxe, textural accessories from alldressedup that can be worn well past Independence Day.

She's Not The Devil

...but she is wearing Prada. Beautiful, beautiful SS08 Prada.

[Photos via The Sartorialist and Garance Doré.]

What's Cookin'?

I broke my No. 1 Cookbook Cardinal Rule: Don't purchase a cookbook without pictures. I simply couldn't help myself.


Writer, cooking teacher, television host and bestselling author Amelia Saltsman created The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook so home cooks can create flavorful, uncomplicated dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Saltsman's vision was to "use one market as a lens and tell the story of farmers' markets everywhere."

Besides the recipes, the book also includes a guide to produce, meats and cheese, and shares tips on shopping at a farmers' market. Everything is sorted by season making it a cinch to navigate. Despite the lack of photos, there are so many great looking recipes that I'm not sure where to begin! Perhaps I'll try out the Summery Zucchini-Lemon Soup or the Roasted Beet and Blood Orange Salad this weekend!

High Cot'n

My latest thrift treasure - this old cot once belonged to the "Holloways" according to the marker tagging on its leg. I saw it shining on the sidewalk and hollered at J to pull a uey so we could nab it.

Once she's spruced up with a fabric revamp or a nice long top pillow, she'll be at home placed at the foot of my bed. Also makes for excellent outdoor seating at our summer soirées!

Lift Off

I'm pretty sure my age is not the targeted market for this pillow, but I badly wish Mr. Body Builder was perched atop my bed!

Baby Love

With so many friends in baby mode, I've got my eye out for quirky gifts. Lately, Cat Fish Greetings takes the cake!

Mint Condition

Another sweet toothed obsession, Misty mints are heavenly!

Hooked

The Infinity Copper Hook is a steal at just $14. Its Copper-finished metal frame would look sharp dangled over an office door or in a bathroom toting robes and towels.

Rollin' on the River

Saturday we attended a wedding in Clear Lake, a suburb of Houston, and afterwards all the guests boarded The Spirit of Texas paddlewheeler for one heck of a reception. We took off on a 4 hour excursion into Galveston Bay and around the Kemah Boardwalk, all the while dancing, eating, drinking and waving to other boats along the way! What a great party -- and an even better way to spend a summer night.


...and towards the end of the night, I couldn't get over how ridiculous the chairs looked. Everyone enjoyed themselves so much the slip covers were all but on the floor!


P.S. In typical Houston summer fashion, I opted to wear the most lightweight, frothy dress I own to ward off the intense heat. As luck would have it, a torrential storm came through 20 minutes before boarding and a tornado was spotted a few miles away - forcing me to fight against the winds to keep my "frothy" dress down past my chest. Thank god for slips and for the storm's passing!

Rub-a-dub-dub

No, I don't live on the beach or in the country, but that doesn't keep me from wanting an outdoor shower. I'd have no problem scrubbing clean outside after yard work or when the indoor bath is occupied. How relaxing are these bits of inspiration...

[Toast]

[Erika of Urban Grace and her husband built their own and I'm obsessed.]

[House Beautiful]

[Paul Fortune Design via Desire to Inspire]

[House Beautiful via A Life's Design]

[Country Home via A Life's Design]

[Peter Murdock]

Memory Lane

A series of 1956 make-believe action shots featuring my Dad [in striped shirt], his sister Lelia and cousin Skipper. The italicized comments are words my grandmother scribbled on the back of each photo.

He must go down. Same ole gang.

Boy, we really punctured him!

One down and one to go.

A fight to the finish.

We all got to go sometime.