Flea Markets

I've been itching to do some good flea market shopping. Been doing some research on the LA options and here's what I've found. Excited to hit the Irvine, Santa Monica and Melrose Markets first. Anyone want to join me? 


Pasadena City College Flea Market | Smaller than the Rose Bowl but get there early for good pieces. 
Melrose Trading Post | Best for small items. Happens every weekend.
Santa Monica Flea Market | Go the last sunday for best selection. Casual decor. 
Long Beach Flea Market | Lots of vendors and great selection. Best deals at the end of the day. 
Rose Bowl Flea Market | The biggest. Great for furniture and rare finds. 
Irvine Flea Market | Very shabby chic. Smaller and more manageable. 

Unscheduled

We were in Phoenix this week for the memorial service of our friend Rick. When unexpected things like this happen, it makes you think about the ways you spend your time and who you give your life to. We decided to just be together with our boys and enjoy each other. 


July is not the best time to visit Phoenix (Hello 110 degrees, haven't missed you), but we had a great time swimming. I figured out that Bear isn't really afraid of pools, he just likes them to be a very comfortable 88 degrees before he'll get in. John taught Lincoln how to dive, after a few good belly flops. Ben doesn't understand that his little body is like a rock, and we had to fish him out a few times. Bear jumped to John a hundred times, yelling "Cannon-ball!!!" 


The best memories are of the things that aren't scheduled and don't involve an agenda. I love my boys. 

My Big Win

I won! This incredible prize from Kirtsy.com.

"One lucky winner will receive an Evening with Elizabeth Irvine, author and educational partner for Andrew Weil’s Weil Baby. Elizabeth will come to you…wherever you are… and help you create a relaxing space in your home. Then! She and Kirtsy will help you host an incredible Relaxing Evening for friends! Fun!Want Beth and the Kirtsy gang to create a relaxing space for you? Let’s do it! (Value, priceless)" 

And the best part is that my favorite blogger, Gabby of Design Mom, is on the Kirtsy team. Keeping my fingers crossed that she's the one who comes along. 

Wow, it feels good to win a prize, but especially this one! 

The Eaton Home

Our good friends, the Eatons, graciously lent us their home this week while we were in Phoenix. They have a very comfortable home, with a great layout, and an incredible new outdoor space that's perfect for the beautiful weather here. 

My favorite part of their home is their use of accessories, art and photos. Lisa has a great eye for picking out eclectic pieces that go together and also look like they've been around for years. 

I haven't forgotten to finish up Home Design Week (I guess it's Home Design Month now) with a post on Art and Accessories. The most important part! Next week. I promise. 

Zucchini Muffins

(Image via Zupas)

Don't these Zucchini Muffins look delicious? Recipe here. I forgot to plant Zucchini in my garden. I got over zealous about tomatoes (how could I have known they would overtake the yard?), cucumbers (they spread WIDE) and peppers (really, how many peppers can one family eat?) 

Just my luck though, Zucchini can still be started in San Diego in August! I'll be planting as soon as we get home. I'm going to download this handy vegetable garden planting schedule for future gardening. 

Giveaway Winner

Congratulation #15! The last comment. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate! Ruthie said...


"Is this where you get ideas? I would love to have it."


Yep, lots of good ideas come from Sunset, as you'll soon find out. Your first issue should arrive shortly. Enjoy.  

Bald

I heart bald boys. The balder, the better, in my book. Here are my boys with their pre-camping hair cuts. I'd rather not be combing tree sap, dirt and bugs out of hair on this trip. 

Don't they look adorable? 

Chickpea Salad

This Chickpea Salad with Grilled Pita Bread hit the spot with our BBQ dinner. The beans and pita made it substantial, while the mint and feta with tomato and basil added great flavor. Hit the spot. Perfect for summer. 

New Camera

Wow. I got the best retirement gift ever today. This Panasonic Lumix Camera. The closest thing to a DSLR in a compact package. I'd tell you what it does, but the manual still looks like French to me. But it can probably make pancakes. And it did take these awesome pictures. 

Thank you Young Life friends. I appreciate it very, very much. 

Bold

Living in the Giant Peach has given me a new-found love of bright, bold houses. I'm attracted to them as I walk or bike through my neighborhood. Here are some of my favorites. I think my next house might be chartreuse. (maybe not, but it is an awesome color and cool word, don't you think)

Life Lessons

Closing in on 40 makes you ponder. One area of my life that I desire to grow in is my view of money. I feel like I should have more figured out by now, but this might always be an area of growth for me. 


Lately, I've been desiring more simple in our life. Downsizing to one income and having more time have spurred my search for savings. I'm happy to share what I've found in case it might benefit your budget too. 


Insurance. Shop around. It's takes time, and you'll have to sit on the phone or fill out internet forms to get quotes, but so worth it. I switched companies for our car, home and renters insurance and saved 1500/year. Get your current insurance in front of you so you can compare apples to apples. 


Technology. Look closely at your cable + internet + home phone bill. What can you cut back on? Do you really need the fastest internet? Do you need three TV's? How about dropping some movie channels or a channel package? Did you know that bundling your services will save you a bunch of cash? With our company, adding phone service took a chunk of change off our bill. I also dropped one TV box and one channel package, saving another 20/month. 


Medical Bills. It doesn't hurt to ask. Be bold. I recently asked the hospital billing office to cut my bill in half. They thought about it, and cut it by 1/3. I asked for another 10% off if I paid the bill right then, and they agreed. Bam. 


Entertainment. Think ahead. We buy movie tickets for 1/2 price at San Diego State's ticket office. That means we can go to twice as many movies. I write the best happy hour deals down on our calendar so we're ready when it's date night. Many museums have free admission one day a month. Track it. 


Red Box. I make a pledge to drive the .8 miles to the Red Box for $1 movies instead of ordering On Demand from Cox for 5.99. Willpower. 


Red Laser. Don't you love taking items at Target to the red bar-code reader? So fun. Now you can download the Red Laser app for your IPhone. Scan the bar-code with your phone and it will price-check different stores and find you the cheapest price. Wow. You have to admit that's life changing. 


I promise to share more saving + simplifying tips as they happen in my life. 
Cheers to more cash for lattes and money in the savings account! (In that order)

Giveaway Monday

This week's giveaway is the gift that keeps on giving. A year's subscription to my favorite magazine, Sunset. Now, I love my Real Simple and Martha as much as the next girl, but I'm most excited when I open my mailbox to find Sunset waiting for me. It shouldn't be read in the doctor's office, or in-between diaper changes. Sunset deserves an hour of un-interrupted time with good coffee or wine, and a chocolate croissant. If you're lucky enough to already get Sunset, you can gift your winning subscription to a friend. You'll be a hero. 


Some of my favorite features are Day Trip, Escape, Fast and Fresh and their monthly Home Design Article. Great ideas for decorating, travel and cooking delicious meals. Plus, they are usually things in my price range.


Leave a comment. Any comment. And you can enter twice if you share this giveaway with a friend. Just have them mention your name, and then come back and comment again. 


Giveaway ends Tuesday night. Comment away! 

Location, Location, Location

In our quest to teach our oldest the value of money, we set up shop in front of our house this weekend. Let's just say...he cleaned up. We live on a main street one block up from a park and there were some very thirsty walkers. The mailman alone drank four cups.

We're discussing a franchise. Or at least adding snickerdoodles next weekend. Come on by. We'll give you the friend discount and chat you up for awhile. 

Odds and Ends

Found Maureen's blog through Marta. Needing some of this Little Red Riding Hood Cake. 


I'm sure you've already read about Piper, but if you haven't I wouldn't want you to miss something wonderful. 


This new linen cabinet from IKEA would really spice up your bathroom. 


If you're in Washington State anytime this summer, try to make it over to Vashon Island. Love the pictures Maggie posted of her life there. Part 1 & Part 2. 


Did you know the Padres have the best record in the NL? And that's REAL baseball, not fantasy. We're fans. 


I think we'll have a low-key weekend. Picnic at the Bird Park Concert and maybe the La Jolla tide pools on Sunday. Have a great one! 

Discover San Diego

Today started out cloudy and looked a bit like rain so we decided to abandon our  Zoo plans and try out the New Children's Museum here in San Diego. 


I'd heard good things about it, but I was thrilled at how much fun Linc and Bear had. Plenty for all ages to do and see. We purchased a family annual pass ($85) so we can go back often. 


Bear really loved the watercolor painting, building blocks and art easels. Linc was a big fan of the clay station, rainbow bouncy tunnel, rope climbing and rock wall. I loved the toddler play area, complete with rocking chairs and right next to the Espresso Cart. Good thinkin' museum planners. Do you have wifi?  


Looking forward to Toddler Time, the Film Festival and wish I could go to the Rock Star Gala. We'll be putting our annual pass to good use.

CB Perfume Shop

I'm almost perfume-less, so I've been looking around for something unique to wear. Found these CB Perfumes today at Perch. Trying to decide between these two fragrances, but there's some really interesting combinations to chose from. Could you wear a perfume that smells like mittens, snow and frozen forest? Hmm.

{Lavender Tea} 

"This is one of the scents I originally designed for my Wardrobe collection. I made the swift discovery that it is wonderful to wear. So I've redone it in a richer concentration especially for you to wear yourself. Lavender Tea is a rich blend of French Lavender, Black Indian Tea, a few warm woods and a subtle touch of Indonesian Patchouli (just a hint)"

{M#4 A Room With A View} 

"This perfume captures the scent of the hills above Florence - the vineyards, the wild grass, the finocchio, the hot dusty Florentine earth.  And of course a torrent of Violets..."

Custom Kid's Flag Banners

Add some unique, fun decor to your child's room. Flag banners come in these fun theme choices, or chose one of your own. Each flag is hand sewn and banner measures 8 feet long. In the shop. 

Better Microwave Popcorn

In my search for better popcorn I came across this popper at the Crate and Barrel Outlet today. Bag-o-popcorn, I banish you. 

A layer of bare kernels in the bottom + 2 min. 45 sec. in the microwave for perfect popcorn. I haven't tried the butter chamber in the top yet. Saving that for tomorrow night. 

Tonight we just went with the standard melted butter and sea salt. I'm going to pick up some Johnny's and White Cheddar for a little future popcorn pizazz. 

Any popcorn seasoning you can't live without? 

Giveaway Winner

Our lucky tote bag winner is a new resident of one of my favorite cities, Seattle. 


Lauren said: 
"I just got really into orange and would LOVE a new tote! I need something new to signify my new town - Seattle! Yay for giveaway Monday." 


Congrats Lauren. Email me and we'll get started on something orange and fabulous for you! 

Family

We got some very sad news last night. Our very good friend Rick passed away yesterday. The world doesn't seem right without him in it. Rick was one of the most giving, generous people we knew. He will be greatly missed. 

We decided to have a family movie night to spend time together. The kids had a great time eating dinner in front of the movie and filling up on caramel corn. John and I were grateful for time to think and pray. So grateful for our family. 

Thankful

Today, I just feel thankful. A few reasons why. 


A husband who usually answers the 2-year-old bedside, 6am question. "Eat?" And says yes to making pancakes on week-day mornings. 


A park perfect for little people within biking distance + a Starbucks on the way. 


A clean house and a quiet place to read. 


Friends who like to see vampire movies with me. 


Not needing a job with a paycheck to feel complete. 

Camp Food

I finally talked John into trying a camping trip. It's all about the planning and preparation when you take three boys to the wilderness. We've decided to forgo beach camping for our first adventure. (Ben + butt scoot + sand = dad stress) 

I'm looking at a few awesome spots on this list of 36 Best Campgrounds in California. If you're thinking about camping this summer in the west here's a guide to your neck of the woods. Or chose one based on your "personality type". But, knowing us, we'll probably end up picking from this last-minute, no reservation list.

As I plan and prepare for our adventure/possible fiasco, I'll share any helpful planning tips I run across. 

My number one priority for a successful trip is good food. (I'm not feeling hot dogs on a dirty stick if you need a visual) Here's a few ideas for eating right in the woods. Prerequisites: can prep much of it ahead of time, and cooks easily on a camp stove or fire. 

Gotta love Guy. 

Alton's nerdy, but I like his style. 

The BIG list of ideas from Sunset. 

Stephanie's tutorial for tin foil dinners. 

Smores aplenty. What, banana and reese's? 

Giveaway Monday

It's time for a new summer tote, right? Here's this week's giveaway...a Reversible Tote custom made in the fabrics of your choice. Maybe you're an orange person. Maybe you'd rather stick with something more subdued, like taupe. Either way, you pick.  


If you aren't chosen as the lucky winner of the free tote, don't despair. Totes are 25% off this week in the shop. So order one up for yourself. 

Leave a comment. Any comment. And you can enter twice if you share this giveaway with a friend. Just have them mention your name, and then comment again. 

Giveaway ends Wednesday night. Think positive. You might win this one!

Treasure Hunt

I consider myself a decent bargain hunter. But when I'm with my long-time friend Richele, I realize I'm still a novice. She sees potential in everything. If you're in Chandler, AZ anytime soon, check out her booth at Merchant Square. We hit the streets at 7am on Saturday looking for deals. After striking out in my part of town, we moved over to Point Loma. Here's a sample of our finds...

1. Richele had to talk me into this leather Cost Plus club chair and ottoman for $15. I listed in on Craigslist to sell, but I'm currently sitting in it as I write this post. Probably a keeper. 

2. Sweet cottage-style coffee table. Great detailing. Selling it for $40. 

3. Love this pot-rack, although my kitchen is too small for one. Thinking about painting it a funky color then hanging it in another part of the house. Any ideas of other things I could display on it? 

4. Bear and I were riding our bike to Starbucks later in the day and picked this up map of the West Indies in the "free" pile in someone's yard. The home owner told me it hung in her father's office for 25 years. The back-story to things makes me like them even more. It's perfect for my living room. 

What treasures have you found lately? 

Walkabout

Ever since hearing about John Locke's walkabout, I've been taken with the idea. Definition: "walk with no particular goal" or "a walking trip or tour" or in Locke's case "to wander through the Australian bush". 

I feel like for the most part we are all in a hurry to get everywhere we're going. Maybe this revelation is the result of my newly-found time after resigning from my job, but I'd like to enjoy the "journey to" as much as the "arrival at". 

Practiced this low-stress philosophy on Saturday night at the South Park Walkabout. We stopped to watch a 20 minute flea circus at Vagabond, pet a herd of great danes by El Camino, admire mini-cars, check out My Three Sons onesies at So Childish and eat ice cream from The Daily Scoop. Up one side of the street and down the other at a 2-year-olds pace. John even sat patiently on a bench with the boys while I shopped around at Make Good. 

Less cars. More walking, biking and scooting (Ben).