I launched a new blog: www.homemadelove.com
Please stop by and leave a comment!
I launched a new blog: www.homemadelove.com
Please stop by and leave a comment!
(229) comments.

Too bad Yosemite isn't in our backyard for more hikes. And due to lack of hikes in our lives, Brendan and I have committed to three months of training, starting tomorrow. We'll keep you updated on our (hopeful) progress.

I took this shot of pipeline, on the north shore of Oahu, last January 2010. I'll be heading back to the north shore this December through January with Brendan for some surf, sun and adventures.
I'm looking forward to seeing old surf buddies, but I'm also excited to show Brendan my hidden gems. I'll post the adventures come January.
I know that was a quick change of direction, but I've decided to launch a new website for home goodies and interior decorating. That way, this blog can stay focused on the travel and the surfing (whatever remains of it).
I'm looking forward to sharing the new project, which will include an option to buy or to commission works!

Brendan's new place has a small laundry room, and I'm going to try to replicate this set up. Probably not this large scale (since there isn't enough room), but hopefully something just as cute and cozy. I'm definitely getting rid of Brendan's current laundry bins (the mesh kinds that run amuck on college campuses).

I love this use of a headboard to really tie in the elements of this room. Brendan has been a big skeptic of headboards, but I think I'm starting to wear him down. Does anyone out there have a favorite type of tufted headboard?

When Brendan and I retire, you will find us living in something like this, up and down the west coast. Just 50 more years to go!

EVO, Downtown LA

Xin's Turducken

The View from EVO

Delicious Fashions Accompanied the Delicious Food
Brendan and I kicked off the 2010 holiday season with a lovely Thanksgiving potluck, hosted by X & A at their downtown high-rise, EVO.
I made the foccaccia from Jim Lahey's "My Bread" which turned out less than stellar since my pizza peel was wrong for the job. Not to worry! My new one is in the mail.
X's turducken was delicious, and so were the guests' fashion choices.
Now we're off to Thanksgiving potluck #2 at E & J's. I need to go buy some fat pants.

This hanging plant DIY project seems totally do-able. I think I'll tackle this project pretty soon. I'll make sure to let you know how easy/hard it is.

I've always, always, always lusted for a booth-like dining area or breakfast nook. There isn't enough space in B's new place for one, but a girl can still dream and be inspired.
Yeah, kinda like Glee! Except in the sense that this blog is going in a new direction... At least for the next month or so.
The boyfriend just got a new place (with more space!) and I am the pro bono interior decorator. So I'm going to use the blog to brainstorm some inspiration/ideas (through photos of room concepts that I love) along with what "we" actually end up doing.
Wish us luck!

Can you believe I still use a hand mixer for my baked goods? I know. I can't either. I'd adore a KitchenAid stand mixer in foam green. Santa Baby, don't I deserve one?

For my momma's birthday, Brendan not only bought and delivered her flowers, but he also bought a bouquet for me as well. He really knows how to love me well.

To another year of golf, good food and travels!

My cousin married his lovely lady this past Saturday (November 13th, our grandfather's birthday) and it was a fun affair. Brendan got to meet my zany family (and I met his at his cousin's wedding a few weeks ago).
Best part of the night (for me)? Catching the bouquet, of course!



The Peter Thomas Roth skincare line is quickly becoming my favorite. Although Aveeno is probably the most recession friendly (with still being of high quality), giving yourself an at-home pumpkin enzyme peel facial really leads to immediate results.
If you remember, this was on my Christmas wishlist, but I couldn't wait until December 25th for this gem.

Don't you love it when it's your boyfriend's birthday and yet he remembers to give you flowers?
Perfection from Rita Flora on La Brea (one of my favorite florists).

From http://www.grouprecipes.com/3405/chocolate-guinness-cake.html

Did you know there is a legit jewelry selection at LACMA's gift store?
Brendan and I visited LACMA last weekend (with my auntie from Canada) and quite a few pieces caught my eye -- one of which is available on LACMA's online shop. Although it's a bit of a steep price tag ($125), the proceeds go toward the Watts House Project.
Christmas gift, anyone?

I like making costumes out of my own wardrobe. Everything I wore that night was from my closet. But what qualifies the outfit as a costume is that I don't wear all of these elements together on a normal day.
Here you will find vivid accounts and delightful eyecandy of my fabulous adventures in and out of LaLa Land as I live life as a surfer, a writer, and a lover of many things (especially food). So please, grab a pot of ginger tea, snuggle into that Frette merino wool throw, and start clicking away -- And fall in love with my wanderlust.