I am back in California this weekend, or rather "la la land" as I affectionately like to call it. Even on business, it is just so relaxing to be here. And it is business, indeed, that I am on. Hunting all over for that No.1 prize to bring back for the store. I do love a good treasure hunt, after all. Who knows, perhaps I will find just the piece you have been looking for to put in your home. If you do have something you are looking for, be sure to let us know as we are always helping clients find that perfect "wow" piece they have been dreaming about.
So, I came across these pictures from Spring Break when Brian and I came over to the beach for a few days with our youngest daughter, Emily and a friend of hers from school. We had such a fun time filled with tons of laughter (and I mean that great contagious laughter) and plenty of good food.
It was one of those perfect trips filled with bike rides and walks, enjoying all the different little cottages and boats on the bay. People watching and window shopping and enjoying a coffee and good conversation.
I was able to leisurely visit all my no. 1 spots - Just Basics, Juxtaposition, Haute Cakes, Sabatinos, Beach Combers... to name a few. Another favorite stop of mine is the Ramos House in San Juan Capistrano. If you haven't been here, you absolutely must. Visit the beautiful old mission, take a lovely walk across the train tracks and enjoy one of the most delicious breakfasts you will ever have at the Ramos House. If you are in California in July, call me and I will meet you there! It is amazing. The Willows currently has a few of the Ramos House Cookbooks left on our shelves (all our editions are signed by the chef himself!), so if you can't make it to the restaurant, you can at least bring a little taste of it home! Come soon before they are all sold out and I have to ask (beg!) the chef to sign more for us!
Business trip or not, it is always good to walk back through this door...
Awww, I cannot wait to be here for the summer. If you are around these parts in July, stop by and see me!
Wow! These images are so lovely! I could use every single one for my desktop background. :)
ReplyDeleteCalifornia really is la la land, isn't it?
Looks so lovely there. With the killer heat fast approaching, I will be daydreaming (with longing) of these charming photos for months. Love the gentleman painting (and liked the looks of his art as well).
ReplyDeletethis looks so idyllic!
ReplyDeleteI love that pic of the man painting...too sweet!
ReplyDeleteI'll be heading to la la land in June and July this summer, can't wait!
Happy Monday to you.
T
Are any of those beach homes yours? All so charming!
ReplyDeleteIt is so funny I live maybe 20 minutes from everything you mentioned and I never quite see it that way. Beautiful pictures- I will have a new view when we hit the beach this summer!
ReplyDeleteBalboa is also my LaLa land...love to go for walks down there...they just had there annual garage sale..so much fun...a magical place..is your house in balboa???
ReplyDeleteOh I am so proud of myself -- I recognized Balboa in your pictures! We visited last September -- loved it. My daughter lives in CA, but inland -- Pasadena. Not quite the same!
ReplyDeleteCass
The next time you're in Newport you MUST go to Paris to the Moon. It's on 17th and Santa Ana in Costa Mesa and it's my favorite shopping spot. I will be home in CA every weekend this summer (I can't do Phoenix full time in the summer!) and hope that you have as much fun as I do!
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