the house of windsor

A couple weeks ago my daughter-in-law, Sara and I took a tour of Veranda Magazine's newest showhouse in the LA area, the House of Windsor.  It is absolutely unreal.  Every single detail was mesmerizing.  And the stables?  Just plant me there, please.  I especially loved the gray and white marble floors in the main entry.  I am still trying to figure out a way to work them into my own home...  master bedroom, maybe?  We'll see.  Anyway, the home will be featured in Veranda magazines October issue, so you really must get yourself a copy.  I can pretty much guarantee you will sit and drool over each and every picture of the House of Windsor for hours.  Days even, maybe.

(pictures from here)

bike shop

One of my favorite places for shopping and dining in California is {The LAB}.  It is this funky little center (known as the anti-mall) with great shops and restaurants (Habana is one of my very favorites!).  In the parking lot at the Lab is this awesome airstream turned bike shop.  I absolutely love the atmosphere this guy has created and will be sure to pick up a bike from him next time I need one.  If you are in the area, be sure to stop by.  And do check out the amazing vintage crates he makes into bike baskets!
 

I absolutely love his business hours sign.

Do you think we could get away with this at the Willows?

I only have a few days left in beautiful California, any more suggestions on places I absolutely don't want to miss this trip?  I would love a new shop or restaurant to try out!

laurie's charming cottage

After the idea of sharing pictures of my friend Laurie's home came to me the other day, I knew I had to follow through.  Her lovely little beach cottage is only a few houses down from mine on the island and it is a constant inspiration.  She is truly one of those people with a natural talent for design.  Every inch of her home is just perfect.  She pays attention to every corner, every little detail.  It is one of those homes that is completely stunning and simultaneously welcoming, where you feel right at home.  She also happens to be an artist, so she has a totally inspirational little studio space upstairs.  I am sure you are going to love Laurie's home as much as I do!  So, here you go...

Thanks, Laurie for letting us share!

the beach house

I have had lots of people ask to see more pictures of the actual beach house, so I pulled up some old ones that I already had.  A few things have changed here and there (like the mirror being replaced by this big sign), but on the whole this is what it looks like at this very moment.  Take a look around and stay for a while...  Shall I make us some tea?