I see a theme here...

I have what I consider a bad habit of leaving stores with more than I bargained for, even at the hardware store.  This most recent visit, I went to return some knobs from a different DIY project and I left with new inspiration:  Squash in semi-gloss.

 The laundry room door needed a boost.  So I removed the old door knob and deadbolt (that awkwardly had to be locked with a key from the INSIDE.)  This room didn't know what hit it!  I don't think anyone had confidence in my newest scheme to paint with this color.  Behr, Squash 290B-6.

I had the vision though and knew this little pop of color would be like sunshine even on the dreariest of days.  But beware, once you start it never ends...old door knobs look even older with new paint.  I ended up replacing the locks with new ones in brushed nickel.  I admit, I was nervous unscrewing the locks and watching them fall away in bits and pieces, one by one...would I ever be able to put all those pieces back again?  I'll have to do it again so I can record the process for you.

 With Clydes help, my 3 year old, I replaced both knob and deadbolt.  (One that easily locks like every deadbolt should, from the inside with a flick of the bolt! SOOO much easier.)  And now I know how to change a lock! If you're good at puzzles then go for it, if not then try it during the day when a locksmith is easily accessible.

 Only fitting to go along with the theme, orange, for a refreshing beverage break!

The white hanging pendant lamp is a 1970's one I used in my first house.  I was so attached to it, but it didn't really have a home in our new home.  Plugging it in and hanging it from the ceiling just wasn't working out.  This treasured piece has been painted and rehung so many times in order to keep it in rotation that I wasn't about to give up on it yet.DIY TIP: most pendant lamps with a plug can be converted into a ceiling fixture with the help of a good electrician.  They remove most of the chain, strip the wires and rewire it into the ceiling where the old fixture used to be.  Aaaand, good to know, some permanent light fixtures can be turned into lamps.  The folks at Practical Props in North Hollywood are just the creative type to do it too. 
I still need to put in a stainless steel shelf for supplies, (which I bought last summer!) but for now, one room down and on to the next.  The blue lady painting is from an estate sale of the late Sylvie Barnhart (the Hollywood hair stylist that turned M.Monroe blonde!) read more about her world changing moment here...The opposite wall is the faintest is it blue or is it green color.  (Pratt & Lambert, Skylit prattandlambert.com) One thing missing from this tiny room is the big cabinet the previous owner installed in the corner.  I wish I could say I had footage of me and my friend Jessica knocking the crap out of it with a rubber mallet and crowbar, but sadly, I don't.  We got too caught up in the moment to be stopped! So, in conclusion, every time I see that door, I smile, so it was all worth it! 
-carrie diaz,
Martha Stewart is done be inspired by a new gal

Peacocks & Hardbacks...

                                   

I almost started to break my New Year's resolution after 2 months of sticking to it.  "Blog more, shop less!"  But today's visit to the L.A. Arboretum was so inspiring and surprising that I am back on the resolution wagon...
The L.A. Arboretum is one of Southern California's hidden secrets.  The intro of Fantasy Island was filmed here, and that's about all the history I know. (More history here.)  What I doooo know is, for a small annual fee you can go  to your own secret garden whenever it suits you.  That is exactly what these public grounds have been for me for the past 4 years; my personal secret garden.
The Arboretum easily has a year's worth of blog topics to write about, most notably and probably most famous for the beautiful resident peacocks that strut around. I am unveiling a part of it that I believe is one of LA's secret places: the Library.  Yes!  It has a library.  The tucked away, old books make me feel comfortable, the air is a little musty, I must read all of these books type of library.  Nothing modern here.  They still date stamp the books.  I wouldn't want it any other way.
Anyone can browse, members can check out books on any nature related topics: plants, bugs, gardening, composting, roses, flowers, succulents...  I noticed a room labeled "Plant Help", staffed with a person to help you with any plant related issue you may be having.  They even have an extensive kid's section.   Check out the Bookworms program for kids, free!  Clyde went on an adventure with a magnifying glass today...the best!  Free.  Unbelievable.  Moms, you must check this out.
Call me a nerd, but I think old libraries are mysterious places beyond the looking glass and through the wardrobe.  Leave the hustle and bustle outside for a minute and check this locals only place out.  I'm glad I can share this secret library with all of you.  

-carrie diaz,

Martha Stewart is done be inspired by a new gal

Paris in Spring Time

A little be-lated Valentine's Day romance...
One of the most romantic things I have ever seen is the footbridge over the Seine full of padlocks.  There were so many that it was a task to find an empty space to squeeze mine in.  I bought a little padlock in the tiniest of hardware shops in Bruges, Belgium. 


 I popped in there to buy plastic masks like the one Audrey Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  This surprise tangent turned out to be a stroke of luck; on a dusty lower shelf stocked with so many random objects that it actually made sense, was a small inventory of padlocks.  I apologized to the happy old lady for clearing out all she had, handed them out to the rest of the girls on the trip, Mary, Julie, Steph, & Suzy.  


We were so excited that we had solved our little mystery of where on earth would we find a padlock in Paris so we too could claim a little piece of this notorious romance.
If you forget to pack your lock for your trip, vendors at the bridge do sell them pretty cheaply.  They'll even let you borrow their sharpie to write your name or message of love.

A simple stroll is pure happiness on any day, taking in the beauty of the architecture and blue skies with a friend or old flame. 
The opera house at night, so grand and gold.  Just like the rest of the city, it truly lights up at night into a sight so romantic and almost unreal in its beauty.Last Spring I tortured you all with my endless talk of my trip to the most romantic city in the world, Paris.  I am so embarrassed that it's really taken me almost a year to begin sharing the photos with you!You know you've procrastinated on something too, so hush.  In the spirit of fulfilling my New Year's resolutions, (to shop less and blog more), here are some IPhone photos and I will post more every Wednesday.  Think of it as your little piece of Paris every now and then. 
--carrie diaz,
Martha Stewart is done be inspired by a new gal

palm springs survival guide

i've lost count the times i've been to palm springs.  my mom started the long standing tradition of the annual palm springs trip for me as a child, when i'd make the looooong hot journey from one antique store to another until we finally made it to the hotel, where the rest of the family was burnt red as lobsters from a full day's worth of sun; whilst i was just tired of being bored and jealous that my sun burn would have to wait until tomorrow.




i've since started my own homage to her antique store crawls with my own at least 3 times a year.  most trips go off without a hitch, but this last one was the exception!  so this entry is inspired by what NOT to do as much as it is by what to do in the old desert city that's become so popular as of late...


DON'T: pay a pool fee during the weekendDO: hang poolside at the ACE hotel during the week for free pool use




DON'T: ditch camp when the sun goes downDO: stick around for the nightly events like Monday Bingo & cozy outdoor fire places























DON'T: pay for overpriced mediocre food & bad mixologyDO: try everything on the ACE menu (starts at $5!).  i recommend the Figa cocktail, fresh OJ, coconut french toast and lox bagel with tequila soaked salmon

DON'T: forget the bike basket for an old-ass chihuahua with a bum leg

DO: bring your dog & borrow a bike from your hotel for an early bike ride around the residential area for street after street of mid-century delight

DON'T: forget to ask about pet fees & bike options before you book

DO: try the weekdays if you can, there's a whole different side of palm springs to be had when the hipsters head home after the weekend

DON'T: pay a $100 pet fee at the Viceroy

 

DO: stay at the Saquaro or Ace hotel for pet-friendly prices

DON'T: stay at a new hotel for their opening weekend

                                 DO: wait til they work out the kinks and stay soon after 

 THE SAQUARO was perfect visually, with purple carpet and over sized floral wallpaper in the staircases, but it just wasn't ready for us yet.  the staff is beyond 5 stars & i can't wait to go back when the outdoor fireplace is hooked up and the hot tubs are functional.  sadly, i left to return another time, when the amenities are in full swing, like their TINTO restaurant.  i'll be back baby!

DON'T: eat only on the strip
DO: try Palms Green Cafe & Los Chilakiles

share your insider tips on this destination that is no longer the best kept secret!

dress & fedora bought on the drive in through redlands at the Redlands Galleria 

for what i took and what i bought read more...

--carrie diaz,
Martha Stewart is done; be inspired by a new gal
*all photos property of carrie diaz except saquaro hotel and residential palm springs. please credit with an active link

palm springs survival guide-what to wear

POOLSIDE

1970's pink tiger maxi from magnolia gowns & bridal, bikini from target, baby blue costume jewels from redlands galleria

NIGHT

vintage 1960's coco of california dress with little white polka dots and ruffled neckline from redlands gallery

pink onyx pendant necklace-handed down from my nana

express faux leather bomber jacket borrowed from dessarae!

the SHOES

Seychelle studded clog sandals from nordstrom rack $40!
also bought from redlands galleria:coming soon

--carrie diaz,
Martha Stewart is done be inspired by a new gal

baubles in the snow

For New Year's this year I went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  Never heard of it? I hadn't either, but it's a ski resort town where many US Winter Olympians come from and train.  It's quaint, friendly, and worth the treck for a magical winter get-away. 

I found this hat new year's day walking around downtown Steamboat, most definitely abandoned the night before after the ball dropped on a wobbly new year!  So, i wore it for the rest of the day while i shopped in the rare winter sun.  I think it cheered up the locals who were bummed for the lack of snow on the mountain.

Baubles from one local antique store, Steamboat Home.  Pricey furniture, but the jewelry is reasonable.  Worth a pop in if you like costume jewelry. 

Also, make time to visit the Gallery of Steamboat for a full range of local art.  Ask to see Suzy Jackson's work!

First place trophy for the best shopping in this town goes to Blossom Gift.  Imported jewelry and accessories from India and Tibet are statement pieces that don't come along very often.  With the money you don't spend on renting snowboarding equipment, spend it here to support a unique independent boutique.

I've always wanted a red necklace, this one has the perfect color combo.  I'm planning to wear it with a floral print or use it when my outfit is boring.

This necklace is larger than life and can go with a t-shirt and jeans or a cocktail dress.  Either way, I had to have it.

This necklace was only $15!

So many earrings, each pair is unique.  You've been warned, you'll want one of each.

Zsa Zsa was so nice, we became pals over the 2 hours i fawned over all the baubles.  (Okay, i'm not sure i was in there that long, but it's possible.) Turns out she loves everything in the shop too and is happy to patiently answer every question and confirm every swoon.

A local's drive along the street behind the downtown shops proves full of picturesque snapshots.  Reminds me of Jack Kerouac, hobo life, and train hopping across the country.  The train tracks run along the water, flanked by downtown and the mountain.   When the river is flowing during warmer months, tourists and locals swap their skis for inner tubes for a wild ride.

Some info that will make your trip much easier to plan:

For the 4 hour shuttle ride from Denver Airport, reserve through Alpine Taxi.  Coordinate your flight with their schedule to avoid waiting too long at the airport.  (Pack in a small carry on so you can catch an earlier shuttle if needed.) They require 45 minutes from landing but sometimes you can hop on if you're waiting at the stop when they pull up.  Call Mic to let her know your plans and they'll hook you up.  

For the best in equipment rentals and gear go to Powder Tools.  They're experts on all things snow so you'll be in good hands.  Ask for Curtis or Robbie.

To see what I packed for my winter trip read more...

--carrie diaz,

Martha Stewart is done be inspired by a new gal