Happening Now

Sunset over Golden Hill. 

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)

Discover San Diego

While San Diego is definitely a vacation mecca, I've really fallen in love with the things I've seen off the beaten path. Hence, discover San Diego. 


I'll post pics and comments weekly about something special I've found. Hope this feature will help you picture what we're up to, and give you some ideas for your next trip to town. 


Starting out with my own neighborhood, Golden Hill. This pic is the view from my Bear & Ben's bedroom window. The jacarandas line our street and are in full bloom. The park at the end of the street has one of the best views of downtown I've seen, huge climbing trees, and canyon hiking trails surrounding it. 


Golden Hill, our hidden gem. 
(Next week we'll venture a little further from home)

Friday Night

On a day like today, it's time to hit the streets. Stroller. Check. Newsie hat. Check. Incredibly slow walk around the neighborhood looking at every leaf, in every hole and stopping to talk with every person. Check.

The perfect start to the weekend. Check.

The Giant Peach - Kitchen Porch

It's been warming up here in San Diego and it was time to finish up the porch off of the kitchen. It had roofing shingles for a floor, so we put in some new plank vinyl that is waterproof and looks like bamboo. It's sold at Home Depot.

I found this table and bench in the "as is" section at IKEA, and bought the turquoise chairs there as well.

A few plants, candles and accessories, and we're enjoying the view with our coffee in the morning and glass of wine at sunset. Come join us!

Field Trip

We have the Golden Hill fire station a few blocks down our street. The boys and I were walking home from Starbucks the other day and were flagged over by a fireman. (I know, how clique that he's good looking) The boys inspected every inch of that fire truck and Lincoln asked every question know to man about fire fighting.

We had an interesting conversation about how the main tanker at their station is "grounded" because of budget cuts. A few days ago there was a fire in my neighborhood and although this station is a few blocks away, the truck had to come from several miles. A man died in the fire and there is speculation now about the time it took for that truck to arrive.

Three things on my to-do list this week.

1. New batteries for our smoke detectors

2. Plate of brownies for the firemen down the street

3. Letter to my local city council about the safety of my neighborhood

Living in Golden Hill

Maybe I just end up liking everywhere I live, but I opened up my Sunset magazine this month to see our new neighborhood listed as one of the "20 Towns of the Future".

The article featured Counterpoint, a new wine bar right next to Nest Vintage. John and I walked down for wine & appetizers at Counterpoint last week on our date night, and I've been checking out Nest Vintage to bring a little mid-century modern into our new place.

Maybe those planes aren't so loud after all...

The Giant Peach - Dining Room

I've always thought most dining rooms to be wasted space. The G.P.'s dining room is nicely placed next to, but not part of, the living room. We feed the kids breakfast and lunch at the kitchen island, and save the dining room for family dinners. It's a nice place to be away from the kitchen mess and we tend to hang out at the table a little longer than we did before.

The best part of my new dining room is the CB2 Envelope table and chairs that I scored on craigslist. What did we do before craigslist?

The Giant Peach - Attic Bonus Room

I knew the G.P. had to be mine when I saw this bonus room. It's tucked away on the top floor and has three little nooks for office, sewing and guests.

A cup of espresso, my laptop and a closed door. Heaven.

The Giant Peach - Ben & Bear's Room

One of my favorite things about our new place is the location of the boy's room. It's right across the hall from the living room...perfect for Ben to travel from room to room.

We've set this room up as the playroom also, and so far the toys having stayed corralled. It has great natural lighting and a large closet for more toy storage. I love the window seat that we've filled with toys to avoid little people climbing in places they don't belong!

The Giant Peach - Kitchen

There's something about a sunny kitchen. This one is brand new, with a french door out to the deck and windows overlooking downtown. The island is my favorite spot to sit with my coffee and laptop.

I love the new art I acquired from Brooke.

I'm cruising this clock at Faire Houre.

If you come and sit with me at the island, I'll make you treats.

The Giant Peach - Living Room

The living room feels like being in a treehouse...it's bright and comfortable.

I especially love the window seat, leaded glass windows and dark wood floors. Our furniture fits like it was made for this room.

Our new favorite space to be together as a family.

The Giant Peach

Front street view
Our side of the porches...front and back.
Ah, the joy of moving. Once again, we packed, tossed, sold, bought and hauled our way to a new house. We're affectionately calling it the giant peach. (which my mom promptly said is incorrect because the house is yellow. what?) Anyways, the attempt to save money in a cheaper rental has turned into an unexpected treat.

We are loving our new nest. We have the top two floors in this 100 year old Victorian in Golden Hill, overlooking downtown.

This week will be Giant Peach week on the blog. Tune in for more pics daily.

Golden Hill, here we come

It's true, we've packed up the house once again. Moving a few miles away to Golden Hill. We've decided to call the house "the Giant Peach". I'll post pictures next week! If you live close by, feel free to drop by tomorrow to load a few boxes...I'm not kidding. Seriously, come by.