Vasquez Rocks

It has been a long few weeks for my family.  My parents are out of town, and while I am thrilled that they are having a nice visit with my dad's family, I am missing them and the few nights out I look forward to (since they are our babysitters).  We decided that we needed to do something different this Sunday, so we packed up the kids and headed out of town.  Not too far out of town, though.  Vasquez Rocks was our destination and it is only 40 minutes away.  Most people would recognize this area from some famous movies and TV shows: Blazing Saddles, Star Trek, Zorro, 24, The Lone Ranger etc.

I can't believe that we had never done this before!  It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed our little hike with the kiddos.  

My little Britton was a bit too concerned that we would get lost, snake bit, fall into a giant crevice--I think we need to get him out more!

I think they had fun, at least they said they did when they were quite certain we were out of danger!

Gorgeous right?

This rock looks like a guy with a smooshed nose to me!

This is a house we spotted on our way to Vasquez Rocks.  I thought it was stunning and unusual.  You might be surprised, but we don't have many of these adobe homes here.

I wish I was brave enough to knock on the door and ask for a tour...hehe, I have another friend who would (yes, you Kaley).

I am not much for the desert, even though I was raised here, but I think it was a pretty inspiring day.  After all, beauty can be found anywhere and there is definitely unusual beauty here.  

Now let's go get some IN-N-Out Burger!!!

Sunday Inspiration

It's Sunday...  Rebecca and I were hoping to make it to the Long Beach antique show, which we love, but alas, we were not able to make it.  Instead, I'll share a couple of finds from around the web.

on the set of Sabrina
image via hepburn girl tumblr

Here is a pic of the fabulous Ms. Hepburn.
To me, this is thee epitome of chic.

I love this look; it is classic and timeless.  

image via All Things Audrey
Just love her!

Here is a book I found over at Anthropologie.  I WANT!!!

It's London!  And it's a pop-up!  And I want it for me and the Cat!

Rebecca found this chaise lounge over at Cost Plus a little while ago.  It would be perfect in my bedroom!

Oh, Ron Swanson, I found something for you! It's a  steak sucker!

Monsoon

from Liberty London

Have a happy Sunday!!

~Lori

High Contrast Spaces

cottagemodern

Using high contrast instead of color for impact takes some know how.  It is a great look, like a black and white film, timeless and sophisticated.  There has to be some balance in order to draw the eye where you want it to go.  It can be used to highlight architecture like windows and molding treatments.  I believe that, when it is done right, it is one of the best looks out there.  It is great for people who don't want a color commitment but all the drama.

image from decor pad

decor pad

Another wonderful thing about these rooms is that they are a great balance of masculine and feminine.  If you are one of those couples that never agrees about decor, this might be the solution.  Lighter, European styled furnishings with a backdrop of grey, black, navy or brown.  The result is a space that both men and women love.

image from Meet Me in Philadelphia

image from juxtapost

Image from PBC Style

photo by Elizabeth Haas

My office has deep grey paint on one wall which allows all the white to pop and give it a more masculine feel (since my husband also uses the space).  I really like how the dark wood tones of the picture frames add richness.

Quote of the Week

I am finding this quote especially inspiring today...
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

image via Her Life is Her Canvas

Bee Cottage

I love the magazine House Beautiful.  Last year they followed the renovation of "Bee Cottage;"  one room an issue until its completion.  The owner, and design enthusiast, Frances Shultz carefully decorated each room in a playful and inviting scheme that still has a traditional cottage element.  

Perfect little storybook exterior

Every detail of the house and property was thought out: notice the bee cut out in the gate.

Bowers of flowers

Blue and green is a classic combination, but Frances wasn't afraid to make them bold.

 

Her collection of Staffordshire ware is perfectly highlighted on these shelves.

Garden green never looked so fresh

Two shades of green for the drapes:  I must remember this idea.

     

Lattice, stripe and floral.  I must say that while it is pretty, it is a bit frenetic for me.

A funky half canopy adorns the bed in the master.

A weird little nook has been transformed into a functional and beautiful vanity.

Softer shades in the guest bedroom.

Now this is gutsy, but somehow it works.  Frances said that she was channeling Bunny Williams with the choice of the dog lamps.

"Bee" is everywhere...love it.

Frances highlights the odd ceiling in the bathroom with the striped paint treatment.

The galley kitchen looks so fresh:  No upper cabinets and an overall light color scheme helps the space feel larger.

Plates are perfect in the kitchen as art, but the color on the chairs really makes the space pop.

A teal ceiling in the butler's pantry....hmmm I think you will see this treatment again somewhere soon!

Frances says that the dining room is her favorite room in the house.  I think it is a real departure in terms of color, but it still has that garden feel with the botanicals and the bird cage light.

I like how the large mirror is just leaning against the wall:  It gives it a more interesting and casual feel.

The fabulous backyard.  I am in love.

I have taken so many ideas from this patio space that I can't wait to use.