Out And About: Big Sur Roadhouse

The school year ended last Thursday and, for what has now become a family tradition, we headed for Big Sur on the following morning. We had a campsite reserved for three nights along a riverbank.  It allowed for endless hours of rock skipping, crayfish catching, reading and just pure chilling.   Although we don't mind 'roughing it' for our accommodations, we do treat ourselves to a occasional night or morning out. We have our favorite spots, but this time around we decided to give Big Sur Roadhouse a try for an early morning breakfast.   It didn't disappoint.  We had delicious lattes, hot chocolates, house made bagels and the best scrambled eggs!  All this in an amazingly styled space designed by Steve Justrich. The Roadhouse is a combination of rustic elegance and modern accents. Graphic art, colorful tiles, a mix of wood grains and lots of botanicals make for a cool and comfortable refuge from one too many nights in a tent. Take and look and check out just how good Max looked in the place.

10 Inspiring Outdoor Spaces And Tips On How To Create Your Own

Now that warmer temperatures are upon us, it's time to work on outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and inviting as your indoors are.  Sharing a few of my favorites:  some created for entertaining summer gatherings and others designed for moments of solitude.  Ideally, wouldn't it be great to have both?!  

Check them out and take a look below for tips on creating your own:  

1. Define your outdoor space and decorate it as you would your indoor space.  Strive to make the two blend and be cohesive.

2.  Create privacy with large plants, billowing curtains or natural screens.

2.  Add lighting.  It can consists of candles, solar or electric lights.

3.  Have plenty of comfortable seating for guests.  Provide pretty cushions, pillows, etc.  Keep cozy throws handy for those chilly nights.

4.  Bring your indoor plants outside.  Mix them with classic annuals or exotic perennials to add interest and depth to your container garden.  

5.  Don't over accessorize with garden sculptures and tchotkes.  In nature, less is definitely more.

6.  Look for unique garden furniture on Craigslist and/or garage, yard sales and flea markets.  Keep in mind that sometimes indoor furniture also works well outdoors.

7.  Forego the fire pit for a full on fireplace. 

8.  Add a swing if that is a possibility.  Children and adults alike get enjoyment out of them.

9.  Paint and exterior door a funky color to liven things up.

10.   Have designated plates and glasses for outdoor use.  I keep a basket stocked with napkins, flatware, dishes and candles.  When that spontaneous BBQ springs out of nowhere, I'm quasi ready.  Hmmm, maybe I should add a flask or two of G&Ts to it...

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9./10.

Cucumber Gin And Tonics

I've always been a fan of a Gin & Tonic, but recently my preference for this classic has reached a new high.  The addition of aromatic garnishes, high end tonic water and crisp cucumbers have taken my liking of this drink to a whole other level.  Inspired by a recipe from a local restaurant my cocktail of choice has become more gourmet like, and even more satisfying. During a recent gathering at our home, I set up a G & T fixings area, so that our guests could design their own libations. Take a look below for ingredients and ideas on how to create a DIY cocktail for your next summer party.

Ingredients:

gin of choice (my personal favorite is Hendricks), limes, bay leaves, juniper berries, Persian cucumbers, St. Germain, tonic water and ice.

Set Up:

on a large cutting board or platter, place a small bowl of juniper berries, sliced and/or halved limes (for garnish and juice), bay leaves and cucumber spears.  Have an ice bucket readily available and all the bar tools necessary for measuring, juicing and stirring.  I used chop sticks as stirrers.

Directions:

add half a glass of ice,  pour the desired amount of gin, top with tonic and a slash of St. Germain.  Add the juice of half a lime and rub the remainder over the glass rim.  Garnish with juniper berries, a bay leaf (fold it in half to release its scent) and a cucumber spear or two.

The beauty of mixing one's own cocktail is that one is in control on how strong or weak to make it.  Designated drivers and minors can create their own non-alcoholic drinks with exactly the same ingredients (foregoing the gin,of course). Sip and enjoy!

Before And After: A Stylized Eichler

For the past month or so, I've been helping a family update their Eichler home.  In just a few basic steps, their light-filled space has taken on the functional needs of a family of four as well as some stylistic touches to honor the home's design.  Firstly, we selected a bold [darker] color to accentuate a focus wall that extends from the entryway to the dining area.  Secondly, we repositioned the existing furniture and decided what new items to purchase.  Lastly, we accessorized the transformed living space with bowls, books, art, and of course, botanicals.  There are still a few items on the "to do and get" list, but my clients are in control now and can proceed on their own.  Take a look at the space before and after:

Below are the room inspirations that inspired that transformation:

Botanical Inspiration: A Place For Them

There is an area in our kitchen that is somewhat sacred to me.  It's a decorative spot where there's always a vase with botanicals in it.  Recently, I put together a few of my favorite plants for a special occasion.  Creating an arrangement is meditative for me.  I enjoy the process from its onset, whether it means walking the SF flower market or foraging our garden.  I never really know what will inspire me until I spot a material that moves me.  This time, a bunch of grevillea first caught my attention, followed by bright pink peonies that called for some poppy pods for textural contrast.  Once I got home, I added twigs from our very own smoke tree.  The result was at once bold and sweet.  I enjoy having this spot in the kitchen which I treat as a little sanctuary.  Effigies of the goddess of compassion, rock salt vessels and a black and brass box accompany the botanicals, setting the mood for morning, day or night.  Take a look at one of my latest compositions and remember to treat yourself to cut foliage or flowers whether there's a special occasion or not.