Country Life

Ok, So I did mention that I would be living in country....i'll postpone the details but here's a few photos of the nearby landscape to inspire.

Cravings!

This bag is amazing!  Love the contrast of the cold and smooth silver hardware against the rough woven body.  The shade of  blue is tres chic and I've always been a sucker for Dior.  For me, this is the new saddle, and perfect for my new life in the country.

If the previous bag is  dreamy then the following Roberto Cavalli would be the second layer, a la inception.  I can picture exploring the lakes and grasslands while paying homage to the native inhabitants that roamed these fields in previous generations with this across my shoulder.

All country girls crave the city life once in a while, so wear something great like this while your there.  That's what I'll be dreaming of... < btw this is from refinery29's suggestion of LA Thai Restaurant attire.>

Counter Craving! Everyone seems to think the following is uber hipster, but it lacks, the next big thing factor, and I see it everywhere now, so I-DON'T-THINK-SO.

Papa

Well my 6 year anniversary is coming up this Friday and I'm so thrilled!  I know where we're going, and what I'm getting, yippee!  So we're having dinner at the Watermark Restaurant in Downtown Ventura.  It's in a historic spot and I've been dieing for a reason to check out the latest high end dining spot.  I'm thinking crab, or lobster,  I don't eat either too often. 

 Also I can't wait to finally wrap my throat in one of Tiffany's Key Necklaces.  The first piece of jewelry my husband will have purchased for me since my wedding ring. 

 The dilemma I know have is what to wear!  I found a sparkly black halter in my closet that I've never worn.  My postpartum fullness makes it a perfect fit. and the halter neckline will be perfect for any length chain he would have bought for the key.  I'm debating whether to pin my hair up or do large curls.  If I pin it up I want to do a more classic ballerina bun that french twist which makes me feel like a cougar.  Especially since I am apprehensive about the sparkle in the top, I don't want to look like I'm hitting the club or  someoutdated style.  So the bun should class it up.  So since I'm not buying a new outfit for this night out what is on my shopping list?  3 Stylish Necessities.

Lancome Juicy Tube in their new organic formula  for perfectly wet lips. Shade? blushing beauty.
Cubic Zirconia studs and hoops from Claire's, don't want my earrings to compete with the necklace. and I lose too many to invest in the real thing.
Starbucks Via ready brew coffee packets.  I'll need energy for a night out and my granny flat doesn't have the room for even a keurig mini brewer.  And I won't settle for folgers crystals, that would be far too Daniel Humphrey of me.

Oh I have a gift for my papa today.  Found this fabulous song that is the essence of my father's taste in music so I'll embed the video here for his listening pleasure.  DC Fontana's Snake Charmer. Enjoy!  I'm off to pump and clean the flat.

Mama

I have been away for 10 long months.  It was a much needed hiatus and reassesment, as I was preparing for my new role of mother.  I now have a beautiful baby boy, River James.  I love everything about his tiny precious soul and the tender love I feel when I hold him against my chest is the sweetest most tender emotion anyone can feel.  My husband has become more dear to me than ever.  Of course life still has stresses and bad days, but I have been enjoying the most special time of my life and I hope to enjoy it for as long and in the best way possible.  On that note Let's add some photos.

Back for now!

I've been busy, blah blah blah! I know no one wants the excuses so I'll skip them.  Ok well I recently saw Ponyo which is beyond adorable creative and fun!  Yes it's Disney but it's a wonderful respite from the predictable tales we're typically spoonfed.  The artwork is amazing and the story is so cute.  If I was 5-9 years old. I would have probably seen it 90 times by now.

The boy is totally my husband at that age, personality, haircut, and all.  So sweet and cute.  So do yourselves a favor and check this film out.  Then post here and let me know what you think!

Too Cute to Pass UP!

I found this video on someone else's blog and I couldn't resist reposting it here. Enjoy!
Sweet Dreams by Kirsten Lepore.

(500) Days of Summer Walking Tour

Los Angeles was wonderful, everyday I want to be there more and more.  Here are some of the highlights:

You'd assume that being in the heart of such a metropolis would mean very high prices.  But as we  made our way through Grand Central Market  a fountain soda cost no more than a dollar a pint of blueberries also a dollar, and a pint of strawberries a mere 89 cents!  I live in Oxnard, the home of the California Strawberry Festival and Ventura County as a whole is an agricultural meca. Ventura County is home to several farmers markets, open air fruit stands, and markets, yet I still pay more here!

The  Old Bank Dvd on 400 Main St. was a true gem housing several rare DVD titles.  The only awkward part was being filmed inside the store, I'm not sure why ....but I returned the favor by snapping the DP's simultaneously. *for those that may not know, a DP is the Director of Photography for a film.

When you see Tom's favorite spot in LA, the park bench with a view of the Continental building, you notice that  the hill is steep.  In fact you can see one of the Angel Flights rail cars (in another shot of the small park) used to trolley people up the hill.  So the city had to hire billy goats to trim the lawn because it was too steep for a lawn mower.  The guide from the LA Conservancy told us this so it must be true!

The photo right below the DVD store is Tom's apartment, suits his nickname "Perfectly Adequate Hansen".  Interesting to note it is made out of terra cotta brick which stays clean with a simple rain shower.

Beneath the blooming trees in the park is the topper to the Continental Building LA's first Sky Scraper. Shortly after it was completed in 1904 one of it's sponsors who happened to be on the Los Angeles City Council passed a height limit law preventing future building from being taller.

The gorgeous indoor shots with all of it's fine wood, wrought iron, marble, and tile meticulously maintained is the Bradbury buiding.  One of the oldest commercial buildings of the city, it's also where Tom had his interview as an architect.

The million dollar theater is where Summer and Tom went to see the B movie:
  "Part Vampire Part Giant Vagiant".     It's actually several stories tall and beautifully ornamented with eleborate Sculptures.  A movie palace indeed.

Thanks to my gorgeous friend Stacy who accompanied me on the tour, I enjoyed her company immensely and her photos are below as well.

We had the privilege of bumping into Marty Cummins sometime after the tour and got to chat with him on a personal level.  He helped organize the walk and he was the Key Assistant Set Location Manager for (500) Days of Summer.  Basically he scouted and secured the locations where the film was shot.  I was surprised to find out it cost the film $20,000 each time they move locations.  He was very friendly and I wish him continued success.

BTW is was sweltering hot downtown so I opted for a simple strapless dress and carried my belongings in my Oscar the Grouch knapsack which was a huge hit with the adorable clerk at Old Bank DVD.  So ......I'm a neophyte in my Indie girl project and my wings are yet to be unfurled but you certainly can't be overly bothered with opinions when you have a muppet on your back. : P

I have several more photos of the walk I may post somewhere but I hold back from doing so here.  Lest I bore you.