RIP Phillis Dillon

one of my sister's chickens from her ghetto coop died last night. her tombstone would read: "she boogied with a BobCat and lost" so this one goes out to you Phillis...

hot mama

70% dark chocolate is beautifully balanced with the warmth of guajillo chile and cinnamon, the tanginess of pasilla chile and a subtle hint of citrus.
+

slowly heated together with a dash of agave if you like it sweeter....
=
hot mama hot chocolate

kids are kewl

during my road trip north last week, the bf and i stopped in Atascadaro to visit his cousin and his adorable family. before we arrived, we stopped at Target. my grandma from england had a rule which she lived by: never go to a guest's house with both arms the same length.

the cousin has a daughter who just tuned 1 and a daughter maggie who is about to turn 4. i know i was all about dolls at 4 so i was going this route at the store. last year she was into strawberry shortcake when i saw her so i thought i was on to something. WRONG. this little lady is hip. hip to the 4 legged friends. it's rad. immediately upon entering the house she greeted us with her cheery little voice as well as two of her friends, a horse and zebra.

her mom told us this year for christmas she asked maggie if she wanted a doll house. maggie's answer, "no mommy! i need a house for my animals." well mommy found a sweet john deer barn which did the trick. this is maggie's magic:

como?!

i drive by this structure often and STILL have not figured out what it is. a downtown water slide? roller coaster? car playground? air conditioner art? robot? help me if you know. i'm more than curious. whatever it is, i like it. spices up the 101 a bit.

as i watch the Lake show...i can't help but paroose websites for images for upcoming show fliers, inspiration for the home, wardrobe and life. multitasker i am.

on the road

tomorrow afternoon the bf and i are skippin town and heading north. our first stop will be atascadero to visit his cousin, wife and two adorable little girls. thursday am back on the road and up to one of my favorite california spots, BIG SUR. last year we camped then then stayed a night at the Glen Oaks Motel. we noticed cool cabins for rent across Hwy 1 from Glen Oaks- Ripplewood Resort, where we'll be staying this year.

we've been craving some "cabin time" and this should hit the spot. no tv. no phone. just the big sur river at our back door, fire pit outside, fireplace inside, kitchen to do a little cooking and nature all around. friday night we have dinner reservations for the big sur bakery which specializes in seasonal, local fare. i can not WAIT to try. i've been there for a road snack in the day but i hear dinner is where it's at.

i think a stop at cafe kevah will be a must for some brunch the view. even if it's overcast, i'll be a happy camper.

nye

just found these pics on my camera. no idea i even snapped any shots that night. this is the end of the road as you can probably guess. hee hee.

let there be light!

i'm on the hunt for an arc floor lamp. i just wish i could combine aspects of different lights to create my own.

If I were a carpenter, and you were a lady, would you marry me anyway? Would you have my baby?

ok, i'll stop.

check the gold one out in the background! ai chi wa wa.
.

Crate and Barrel's $299 Meryl Floor Lamp which is way more than i want to spend but has a solid arc width and a cool shade. but would i get sick of this shade after awhile? simpler is better?


the ol' Big Dipper from Cb2 for $199. i'd like a wider shade and a bigger arc.

so you ask where i want to put this baby...

well the base would go to the right of the tv, arc over the chair and land over the table in front of the window. you got me? i would be all over a ceiling lamp anchored above the table, but i rent this pad and there is no electrical in the ceiling of this room. too much trouble for now.

my new friend

isn't he cute?! found this brass gem on etsy. he's been slimin his way around my house, finding different nitches to chill in. today home is this book.

a year in review

january '09 in big sur


portland trip in february for some much needed R&R as well as a college roommate's wedding



dj'ing with my partner in crime


spring brought the insanity of Expo West and the launch of Sambazon energy cans


1 year anniversary celebrated at the huntington library and gardens



a new home with the bf


free music at the local record store. got to love that!


triathlon #2-check!


bikes bikes bikes! #1 transportation in LB


never ending amazing sunsets via our family room window


summer "cooking"


the pike has been good to us....


LL's going away, but not really going away, party.


discovering the joys, satisfaction and new found friendships guerrilla gardening brings


the world of gluten free eating....


friends from near and far (Ireland in the HOUSE!)


the year of the A babies...sweet Aidan


miss anais


thanksgiving '09 hosted at our house with both families, stress but sucess


work christmas party. 4 years strong with Sambazon. the crew is just as crazy as ever.


a new camera for both of us that produces magical results.




four christmases celebrated this year: @home, with the bf's parents, with my dad and with my mom. whew. (picture taken in mom's guest bathroom)


1 year, 7 months of real, true LOVE. i couldn't have asked for a better gift in life.


what a year! it's been good but i think 2010 will be better. i'm looking forward to new adventures, more time with family and friends, travel and focusing on the future. cheers to life!