An Amazing Saturday: Estate sale finds!

I was alerted to an estate sale happening in Orinda the past weekend and I decided to just take off and go.  It was such a beautiful Saturday, I didn't think I'd mind the drive. And I gotta say, it was totally worth it!  Orinda is insanely beautiful. I'd never been to this part of town, and the natural greenery, landscaped gardens and flowers blew me away. The road was slightly hilly, with trees leaning in, creating this beautiful natural archway...I LOVED it.

The sale in itself was great. Even though I caught the tail end of it (it started on Friday), there were still a lot of fun things!

Beautiful Orinda, the drive...

... at the sale, a pair of boat paintings that I LOVED

... chinoiserie & a styling plaque. 

...this bold statement mirror. How fantastic would this look in an entryway!

... some pretty fabrics for upholstering (there were a couple of nice wood chairs too but I wasn't a fan of that style of chair)

... and I managed to snag some pretty candle jars

... someone was hauling away a pair of elegant Ralph Lauren lamps as I was walking in. A TOTAL STEAL. I was so envious!

... and of course, never miss an opportunity to shoot some beautiful flowers, especially when they're just lying there, asking for no one's attention :P

Some more nature spotting on the drive back. I liked that the gardens in this neighborhood were more "natural wonderland" and less manicured perfection. Landscaping GOALS, I tell you!

Things I want to do this spring

I've been very motivated to spring clean this past week and now that I've done some of it, I have to say, best decision ever. I got rid of so much "stuff" that was just taking up space for no good reason!

It's also the season for renewal and freshening things up. For me this translates to new inspiration, new experiences and new habits. I decided to make a list of things I absolutely want to do before spring/summer comes to a close. Here goes! 
 

1) Go visit The Getty. I've been wanting to go for months! I definitely want to check out their decorative arts collection and the Getty Villa. It looks like they have a great calendar of events at both the Getty center and the villa. Also, I didn't know this but admission is FREE. I think it's unbelievably cool that everyone has full access to so much fantastic art, culture and inspiration! A wonder.

2) Take a nature hike and see the fantastic spring bloom up, close & personal. A dear friend sent me pictures of the super bloom at Carrizo Plains National Monument and I nearly died! I definitely want to get outside and BE with the wildflowers.   

3) Get back into my yoga practice. I love me some yoga. I feel so much more healthy and relaxed when I hit the mat 2-3 times a week. I can't do a headstand to save my life (respect for all the lovely yogis who can!), but I can hold the pigeon pose for a good 8 minutes. And it leaves you feel you amazing. I really need to get back into it.

(p.s. This picture of the Amansala in Mexico is blowing my mind on so many levels. Sun, palm trees, water, yoga mats... heavaaan!)

4) Leave my phone outside the bedroom so I can resist the urge to check my phone first thing in the morning. I know this is just not healthy. Get a table clock so there's absolutely no excuse to keep my phone by my bedside.
 

5) Spring clean!  I've already begun doing this and I gotta say, it feels amaaaazzzing to purge. I started with my much dreaded coats / shoe closet. Earlier I'd look at the amount of things in there and just get stressed out. A dedicated 4 hours and it's a whole new space!

I have a super basic approach. It's either an easy yes or a hell no!  

For shoes that are off-season or occasion wear, I took a small snapshot of each pair and stuck 'em on the boxes so we never have to search through a pile of boxes again. 

The before situation (piles of stuff) /  the after situation (organization ninja Z to the rescue)...

And I just could not do away with this beautiful pair of slip ons! They're so fab and fun. A gift from a friend who'd visited Kenya, but I've never worn them since they're a size too small. 

Busted out this beautiful black and white tray. One of my favorites. It was stored away for a bit but now it's back in favor :P

And that's a wrap!

What 1-2 things you're looking forward to this spring / summer? Anything that you're looking to refresh / renew / change up?

Image Credits: The Getty, John Arackaparambil, Amansala

Beautiful Spaces

I've been meaning to write this post for a while and since it's the weekend, it's the perfect time to share these finds with you.

I'm usually very drawn to places that create an ambiance of immersive beauty & make you feel beautiful. Spaces that make you want to just BE there, for hours sometimes (I'm certainly guilty of this!) 

Here are some gems that I've discovered. Some of these I've been to because they're in my neck of the woods, and others are "must-sees" that I definitely want to go to in the near future. And when I do, I'll be doing cartwheels & back flips (as if!). I hope you enjoy them.

I  loooove St Frank in San Francisco. I only just discovered this place a couple weeks ago and now I'm stalking them on Instagram :P  Batik cushions, framed suzanis, coffee table books on travel & culture, a lovely chinoiserie vase, fabric trays  - there are some beautiful artisan goods to be found here. I know eclectic is an overused term, but it really was an eclectic mix of fabulous things.

A dear friend introduced me to this cafe, La Panotiq, also in Noe Valley, a couple weeks ago. The ambiance was lovely and we sat there for an hour just chatting and enjoying our caffeine and pastries (the almond croissant was delish!)  It has this California meets Parisian cafe vibe to it - for instance, there were traditional French accent chairs paired with a wooden table with succulent centerpieces. I quite loved the mix. 

What's not to love when you've got fresh flowers, coffee & beautiful things in one place? I love The Flower Boy Project a flower shop x cafe x gift shop created and curated by LA-based designer Sean Knibbs. I read about his design philosophy in this LA Time's article where they describe it as a "cross-pollination of retail and hospitality". It's a delight to find a place that cares about aesthetic in every aspect, from the decor to the drinks. Their floral lattes (Lavendar Boy & Rose Girl, topped with lavender/rose bits) are beyond beautiful. Have a look.

Laduree in Soho has all the luxury & flair of it's mother-ship in Paris. The neoclassical French decor, ornate chandeliers, antiques and that trademark pastel and gold color palette -all part of the signature Laduree experience.

But what caught my attention were pictures of their outdoor cafe. This beautiful urban retreat style setting in the heart of city. I thought it looked quite gorgeous, with a canopy of cherry trees and a fountain.

I learned about The Wing from reading this article in Fast Co, about the work of Emily Oberman, an irreverent New York based designer who has designed for the likes of SNL & Jimmy Fallon. Her latest project was to design the visual identity for The Wing - a women's only social club and co working space in New York.

I like the color palette - pale pink and minty green with gold tones, and some of the vintage decor (like those fabulous chairs in the powder room). It may be a little too pink for my taste, but you gotta love a space that commits to it's vision!  From the logo branded tables (LOVE the logo by the way), to the matchboxes, and those chic "power women" pencils - it's all in the details. And The Wing is right on the money when it comes to living out it's story in the broad strokes & the details.

I discovered Yoga Source in Los Gatos when I first moved to the Bay Area. I appreciate their big practice rooms and full length windows. It feels airy and welcoming, even if there's some street noise coming in every now and then. Also, how gorgeous are those lamps in the waiting area.

A few years ago, while attending a friend's wedding in Arizona, we ventured into unknown territory, driving through the red rocks of Sedona. To our delight, we stumbled upon Amara Spa. Location wise, it can not get better than this. The sight of the red rocks at dusk is something else.

They had these detox weed wraps where you're wrapped up for about 20 minutes in seaweed, salts & muds from the surrounding area. They're definitely a tad pricey but if you're on a holiday and in the mood to splurge a little, it's a fun experience. Also, I gotta say I love the logo and branding by Fine, especially that deep raspberry color, mirroring the color of dusk in Sedona.

And finally my most favorite of all beautiful spaces - Mother Nature!  No, this picture below is not a Lord of the Rings style set in New Zealand; it's in San Francisco :P  A beautiful spot I was taken to a few days ago (lived in the Bay for 4 years and only just discovered this!). I can't tell you where this is (sworn to secrecy ;P),  but if we're out on an adventure in the city one day, I'll bring you here. And you'll see the sunlit gorgeousness of this place and feel compelled to thank the universe for just being here!

What's a place you love going to? Any favorite spots you particularly enjoy?

Favorite blue finds

I feel like indigo is having a moment right now. I'm seeing it show up everywhere - in art, home decor and fashion accessories. I've always had an affinity for blues, particularly indigo. Case in point, these tiles (pictured below) that I purchased from Jaipur, India nearly 7 years ago.  I love them so much. It's just a matter of time before I put them to good use (or so I tell myself ;P)! 

Also, I stumbled upon something I fell head over heels in love with, this past weekend. This stunning daybed at St Frank's in San Francisco, stacked with indigo batik pillows :) It was the perfect setting for some reading and an afternoon siesta.

Inspired by the blue hues I'm seeing everywhere, here's a list I pulled together of my favorites things with the blue in them. Share with me if there's some in here that you love as well! 1 & 2 have my heart right now.

My tiles from Jaipur

Current favorites with the blue in them

1. Nomad Deluxe by Herbert Ypma   Discovered this coffee table book at a home decor store I visited last week. I am literally in love with this man's photography!  Have a look at some of the stunning photography in this book. He's captured amazing shots from around the world.. Egypt, France, Morocco, India, Maldives...you name it. I LOVE the colors. And I can't help thinking how amazing this would be as a housewarming gift for someone special.

2. How unique is this chinoiserie ginger jar & eucalyptus print? Perfect if you want to bring that classic touch to a room. There's 3 other prints to mix and match with.

3. It's all in the details. These decorative door knobs are gorgeous. And would go so well with warm wooden doors.

4. I love these pom pom earrings - their summery, carefree and FUN! 

5.  These wispy cedar blue plates, are perfect for an outdoor setting. Here's a pro tip I've picked up - pieces of place setting are mixed by color, not by pattern. You can play around with patterns, even mixing them up, as long as you ground them in your color scheme. I love this classic blue & white place setting I saw in House Beautiful - it's relaxed, summery and elegant.

6. This blue and white pillow combines block print & embroidery. Zoom in to see the neat embroidery around each print. It's got that unique textured look to it.

7. And finally this floral print navy blue jumpsuit. I like the ruffles and that it's feminine but at the same time gives that boss lady vibe. I'll add the link for this as soon as I find it!

A new kinda spring list

So I've been fawning over these gorgeous images of spring that I'm seeing all over the Interwebs...from different cities around the world! My travel lust list is literally growing by the minute.

I thought it'd be fun to do a new kinda spring list. One that's inspired by all the beautiful places I'm seeing online.  And combine that with one of my favorite spring-time accessories - the very stylish DROP earring. Tassels are very on trend right now and I had to throw in a ear jacket in there too, because they were just so darn daring and perfect!

Here's some of the most beautiful images I'm seeing online  x  my most stylish picks for spring. I hope you enjoy it!  Which one's are you gravitating towards? 

This beautiful boho chic, relaxing day bed in Malibu looks like the most perfect place to spend a holiday. And these fun boho style fringe drop earrings had me at hello.

Pretty spring flowers outside a home in Cambridge, England. And these bunched up beauties - blush, playful & chic.

The charming blue & white architecture of Santorini, Greece. A snapshot right out of paradise! And these dynamic cobalt blue hoops would go perfectly with an all white ensemble.

The luxurious, winding path of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.  And these zig-zag gold chain hoops. Luxe and edgy.

And here's one closer to home - San Francisco on fire!  And this fiery number to go with it.  Loved these ear jackets the second I saw them. They look ah-mazing on the ear.

And finally, an absolutely stunning picture of the St Petersburg Mosque in Russia. And these dome-shaped, crescent moon earrings. They are fierce!

Image credits: Elle Decor, thefacinator,  dy_ellie, getty_images, kanecandrade, _mikemmc, svetosh13, karlmesquita, Bauble Bar