fall

Fall has been in the air around here finally.  I've been able to wear this charming vintage sweater that I picked up at the flea market a few weeks back. Paired with this Everlane white t shirt, jeans and loafers makes for a pretty comfy outfit.  The t shirt runs big but are super soft so I'd size down unless you want a really drapey fit.

Believe it or not leaves do change here!

Been loving the cool mornings and evenings.  The light is so pretty this time of year.

We've been having major plumbing issues here. This is just one of many many holes that now dot my front garden. It's like the universe is conspiring against me painting the house this fall.

In happier news, it looks as if we will be hosting a fall wedding here!  I know.  I'm so excited.  Just look at some of these images I swiped from M's Pinterest Page...

 Wedding details coming soon...x

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the australian ballet

Yesterday I had the great privilege to see The Australian Ballet perform Swan Lake at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.  I have a soft spot in my heart for Australia after spending 10 days traveling with about 20 Australian women on a motorcoach throughout the English countryside last spring.  A dear client of mine invited me and I'm so incredibly glad I went.  It was my first time at the ballet and I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful performance. I've always loved ballet and watch it on PBS but never went because (and this is a total cop out) raising 3 boys, the idea of going to the ballet never really seemed an option.  So I'd say this is one of the perks of getting older and getting to do more of what you want!  It was a perfect day.  We left my house a full 4 hours before the performance to allow for traffic, lunch and an informative talk with the Australian Ballet's artistic director, David Mcallister.  I'm so glad we decided to attend this talk just prior to the show because it really filled us in on the their interpretation of the original love triangle of Odette, her husband and the Baroness to a contemporary version of Princess Diana, Charles and Camilla.  We found it utterly beautiful - from the dancing to the costumes and lighting.

Speaking of lighting, the chandeliers at the Dorothy Chandler are breathtaking in size and beauty!

This is what I wore.  Our dear Dani gave me this dress last year out of the kindness of her heart! Who does that?  It's a J. Crew collection dress made of white linen and lined in white silk.  It is probably the nicest thing hanging in my closet.  I thought it would be perfect for the ballet and paired it with my leopard cardigan (Dani suggested that pairing - and she was right).  I felt comfortable and dressed perfectly for the occasion.   I have to say it was nice seeing everyone in attendance, no matter their age was really dressed so nicely.  It was all quite civilized.  :)

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work pants

My work uniform is all black.  I wear black pants. an Aveda tshirt and a black apron.  Topped off with a pair of black shoes and I am set.  It does get a bit boring but it is so functional that I don't mind.  So I am always on the lookout for comfortable and quiet black pants.  By quiet I mean the fabric has to be super soft so as not to make noise when I move around.  Giving facials is supposed to be a tranquil experience not one riddled with the jangle of jewelry or clothing.  Believe it or not that is an important part of dressing for my job.  Also, black tends to get crummy looking pretty quickly so it's important that the pants I purchase are not very expensive as I want to look as put together as possible.  So I found these ponte pants at Target the other day and I'm pretty much in love with them. They closely mimic the J Crew pixie pant, but I actually think these are more comfortable and are a fraction of the price, $27 vs $98.  Anyway I thought I'd share just in case you are in the market. They are nice enough that I'm wearing them here with that pale pink vintage top that I showed the other day.

Also...while we are all here, I would love to thank you for the amazing kindness you have shown me in my last post.  To say I'm blown away is the understatement of the year.  I've read each one at least twice and a lot of them more than that.  As hard as it was to share, I'm glad I did because I think we can all help each other through this blog.  At least that is my hope.  If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask in the comments.  I will be as honest as I can in my replies.  So thank you from the bottom of my heart - you truly are THE best.  x

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weekend notes

Hello there.  On Saturday I went to the annual Precious Times Antique store outdoor flea market. Even though I'm not in the market for anything for the house this is a pretty amazing sale so I didn't want to miss it.  This is where I got the two antique light pendants in my living room for $2.50 each, the wicker handbag I've been carrying all summer cost $5 and my antique English teapot was $1. The offerings on Saturday were so-so.  I wound up walking away with a beautiful long silk skirt for $3. I'll show you that in an upcoming post.  We also popped in to see Gone Girl.  I was on the edge of my seat for most of the movie.  I thought it was very clever but the ending for me was a disappointment. Have you seen it?

Now here it is Sunday afternoon.  Football is on the television, Larry is on the sofa napping and I've been in the kitchen making ice cold gazpacho for dinner.  The days have been hot but at least the nights have been crisp.  It's our typical Fall weather here.  If I were to ever recommend the perfect time to visit southern California it would be in October or November.

I've done a lot of thinking this past week as to what to do with this blog.  It seemed like it was doomed or rather maybe I was?  Anyway, I received some very heartfelt emails and lots of comments about sharing your own stories and I came to realize that one of the reasons I've been able to keep my sanity these last 5 years or so, is because of this blog.  It has kept me anchored and really has been a reason for me to push past the negative and see all the good in my life.  And to be honest it feels good knowing I'm not alone or some kind of failure.  So it looks like I'll keep hanging around putting out the same mediocre posts that you have come to expect.  Don't these blue and white ginger jars and hydrangeas look good together?  These are the little things that keep me going.  That and of course, you dear readers who inspire me and keep me on my toes.

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