A New Canvas

As I mentioned here, we are in the process of moving - not far - just down the street. Nonetheless, having a new "canvas" to play with is always exciting. Some images from my pinterest of the vibe I've been envisioning for our new place...

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: leah-theinsidestory.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: None via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: habituallychic.blogspot.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: lonnymag.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: lonnymag.com via Aubree on Pinterest

Source: myfavoriteandmybest.com via Aubree on Pinterest

It's Moving Time

Aesthetically, one of the things I have developed living on the west coast is an appreciation for minimalism and simplicity, especially in small space living. If you know me well, you know that my natural tendency is the opposite of minimalism. Our current place came furnished, so in my efforts to make it feel like home, I went a bit overboard with over-accessorization and pattern. Now, It's moving time. In our new space, I'm going to work on doing the opposite to keep it calm and minimal. We'll see how that goes....

With our move, we're saying fare thee well to our one room and my efforts to turn it into three...

slipcovered leather...

a kitchen in a closet, literally...

a bed in a niche...

and these little vignettes...

This bird is my birdie bank. When I was a wee one my dad would save up his change from the end of every day in a giant canister. Come summertime, he would give my brother and I money rolls and we would roll up all of the change to use for our spending on summer vacations. The birdie bank is my much less successful effort to do the same, but it realistically adds up to enough to cover a couple meals... every penny counts though, right?

Back to the move... some inspiration for the new place next.

She sure is charming...

A little thank you to a dear friend for kindly mentioning me and this post on her always beautifully and authentically written blog...

Make You Crazy

I had the pleasure of listening to this guy live the other day...

image from here

He was playing at the opening party for Salvation Malibu - a retail collaboration of Nike, Hurley and Converse.

image from here

I need to get back in there when it's not packed with people and check out "The Workshop" - where you can design your own apparel and sneakers. Sounds like trouble.

That same night I watched my other half play with some pals...

...at the newly renovated Malibu Inn which little did I know was owned by the legend Neil Young in the past.

image from here

My menu recommendations if you ever get in there:

Healthy Option - Summer Salad

Not-So-Healthy Option - Deep Fried PB&J with Truffle Fries - do it.

And back to the beginning of my stream of thoughts - for your listening pleasure...

A good weekend...

My husband helped start the weekend right with an early birthday celebration for me. After months of hearing the hype, I partook in my first experience of "the fifth taste" (umami) by eating one of these...

here...

Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area.

They take this fifth taste thing pretty seriously. Read more about it here.

Finally got to see these guys perform live.

Quite a show. I would recommend it even if you've never heard their music.

Later that weekend, we had a little show of our own for a friend's birthday.

... and Mister decided to prop himself right up front for everyone's viewing pleasure.

The fog rolled in...

...but cleared up just in time for a sunny 4th of July on the beach.

We joined in on a hilarious dance party...

cooked out on the beach...

and watched the fireworks.

In honor of this weekend, it is only fitting that I leave you with a live performance by J Roddy for your tuesday tune...

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls...

...or do.

A friend back in Georgia told me about a great hike to beautiful waterfalls that I had no idea were just around the corner from our place. This past weekend, we checked it out with some dear friends to discover that it is pretty gorgeous. Mister loved it - he climbed some crazy rocks all the way to the top like a champ.

for some reason we felt the need to put him in this awkward pose

our pals

You can find the Trail Map here.

19 00 N, 72 25 W: Haiti

My other half is here this week...

These are the guys he went with...

photos from my friend Karen

This is the organization he went with...

We know of it through some dear friends who began this organization...

which has joined forces with Mission of Hope - where my sweet brother-in-law now works.

You should take the time to check out what they are doing and watch some mighty entertaining webisodes.

Their websites: Mission of Hope and LespwaMeansHope

…something I have been thinking of beginning for quite a while now. Whether it be for fear of falling into unoriginality or the sheer vulnerability of exposing my ideas, thoughts and interests for whomever to read, I have refrained from creating this until now. The world of “blogging” has provided me a good bit of creative inspiration. At times it seems topics become tedious, and then other blogs begin to peak my interest, honing my tastes and perspectives. Overall, the excitement of feeling as though I get to read a new magazine everyday with the wide array of posts from some of my favorite online reads provides some sort of intangible satisfaction – I figured it was time for me to contribute any little bits I may have to offer.