Poolside is where it’s at. Went to Chambers’ Eat and Drink (we took part in the “drink” portion) in S.F. this weekend for a friend’s birthday and didn’t realize quite what I had been missing! Adjacent to the iconic Phoenix hotel, this pool-adjacent-restaurant-bar-hotel really inspired me! Rock and Roll meets SF foodie meets high design. No problems here.

And “BE AMAZING”. Yes, of course!

I will never again visualize any mantra without it lit up in Hollywood lights. Preferably with a martini in my hand. All that being said, it was a remarkably low-key place, with great Palm Springs vibe. Much enjoyment was had!

…and we were amazing. I KNOW you will be!

Thank goodness for clients that take fun risks! We are installing this chandelier in a client’s guest bedroom and I personally am a bit obsessed. (Imagine that!) Made of wood and iron, this sculptural piece by Arteriors has an authentic, “hand-rendered” vibe that I enjoy. The fretwork is unique – even a bit grotesque. (Which I happen to love. Shake things up a little!) The whitewashed finish freshens it all up and…BAYUM! A perfect statement piece to give some confident glamor to an important room that has a tendency to be forgotten.

Sometimes downtown Oakland gives you a nice little happy moment.  This morning’s was this amazing car.  I pass it every day on my way to work.  It makes me happy to think, “so pink it Stangs” at least once daily.  I especially love that the owner seems to work in a can upcycling center, full of off-beat Raiders’ sculptures made of tin cans and such.  …so he/she really has a diverse design palette, it seems.  Anyhoo…today the light was just right, so…enjoy!

Why are we all so afraid of the outdoors? We are human! We are programmed to perch. To enjoy the view. Views are freedom from predation. In modern terms, they are sanctuary. We create sanctuary in our homes, but often neglect the beauty, the simplicity, the organic Zen of our own outdoor spaces. Fresh air. Clean mind. Cocktails on the porch! (In this case, the “porch” is Donna Karan’s “Urban Zen”, but we can all take a lesson from her book…)

For those of you that know me, you know that, although I may be creative, I am not particularly crafty.  But sometimes I have a moment. I wanted to get a friend flowers for her birthday before work. Well, of course, all of the floral shops were closed. We do have a local garden store open odd hours and I thought perhaps a potted plant would be even more special given that they last. I quickly came across airplants and thought maybe I could concoct something perhaps more personalized than a potted plant, that would be easy to care for. I’ve always loved airplants for their sculptural qualities so I gathered a few together, happened upon this classical vase and arranged them. Added a pop of color through a greeting card expounding my affection.  Simple. Chic. Thoughtful. Like my friend Binnie.  🙂