Author Archives: studio grey seattle

The Second Season

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In California’s Central Coast, it feels as though there are only two seasons…colder sunny days with sporadic rainfall and warm/hot sunny days. Four seasons do not exist here, so saying that summer feels like it’s on the brink, seems like an odd statement. But, the air in SLO continues to feel warm and cozy, the nights are even staying comfortable for longer. I do think we will have an especially warm spring and with that, an early summer.

It makes me excited to extend and grow the garden again. Our artichoke maintains its health and wellness and despite our efforts to keep up with the production, the chard isn’t letting up. Strawberries seem to be taking a slumber from developing ruby red berries, but the leaves and size of the plants tell us we’ll soon be having a daily morning snack. My idea for this years summer garden includes peppers, tomatoes, arugula, onions, cucumbers, and more herbs. I’m sure more will make it’s way into our dirt, but until then, this is what I’m planning. Today will be a beautiful day full of weeding, turning dirt, and enjoying the beautiful sun. Have a beautiful weekend all!

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The Chard that grows and grows and turns different shades of green and burgundy all the time…

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The Artichoke plant that yielded 6 artichokes last year…hoping to get 12 (or more!) this year!

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This book is my buddy with spring so near!

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Front flower garden…I learned last winter of flowers that would bloom all through winter. They have been a great light, even on dark days.

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Backyard Calla Lily garden that grows wild, and free and beautiful.

Cheers! -L

 

 

February, Oh February

Posted in The Girl, The Curls by

February has come and gone and it may be safe to say, the most fun month of the year. I know, I know, what a let down for the rest of the year; we have ten more months to go. Although I plan each month holding their own special moments and good times, February has a lot to top, and unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll happen.

In the beginning of the month, we drove down to Irvine to celebrate T’s nieces first birthday. Little ones all around, treats, decor and details were perfected by T’s sister-in-law who never disappoints and is extremely on top of EVERYTHING cute and inspirational. Family time was wonderful as was meeting new friends!

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The next weekend we drove up to The City (San Francisco) for those unfamiliar with the Cali lingo of San Francisco being the only “The City,” in the state. There we celebrated and mourned with the Niners fans as they came oh so close to being victorious and winning the Super Bowl. Despite the outcome, the weekend was fun catching up with friends and family.

For the following weekend, I planned one of the most elaborate surprises to date. T turned 30th on the 19th, so after months of contemplating, I rented a house in Arroyo Grande, CA and invited all of our friends from far and near to come stay and celebrate over the weekend. It went off pretty perfectly (the surprise part) and the rest of the weekend was nonstop laughter, fun, games, and endless delightful treats, food and drinks!

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In just a short five days, after the house surprise, we were headed to New Orleans, LA. There we were meeting up with T’s brother and yet two more surprises! I invited my brother and our other friend to come meet with us unbeknownst to T. I love surprises!!

Recovering from all those surprises and fun took a much time, energy, and monetary replenishing too. Now, I am ready to settle into March and look forward to its unknowns. Already I plan on a lot of yoga, and a lot of GMAT studying…

Cheers! -L

Fresh Lemonade

Posted in D.I.Y, Recipes, The Girl, The Curls by

Surprisingly, I have never made homemade lemonade. Store bought lemons just don’t carry the same juicing appeal as fresh picked, local lemons. After obtaining several from the neighboring house, I decided it was time to make my first batch of lemonade! I used this recipe, substituting rosemary for the basil.

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Pour over ice and top with soda water for a sparkling delight!

Cheers, Laura

 

 

 

When Life Gives You Lemons…

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Take them! Look at these GORGEOUS lemons! All for me! And my friend Al, from yoga because he eats one everyday after class (I’m not sure how, but he LOVES them) and I thought a few would be a sweet little gift, for sweet little Al.

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But really, how BIG are these?! Huge. They were free, from a neighbors tree, and MAN, they are giants. Their smell is unlike any other lemon smell…soooo sweet and citrusy at the same time. I cannot wait to make fresh lemonade and French 75s! Stay tuned for those recipes! Cheers!

2013

Posted in Design, The Girl, The Curls by

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Celebrating a New Year brings reflection, nostalgia, anticipation, hope, and change. In the past, I’ve made all the typical resolutions; working out more, daily journal entires, practicing patience, and cooking more at home. For 2013, instead of making one or two personal challenges, which will not be entirely fulfilled, I decided to compile a list of little goals, changes and additions to incorporate throughout the year.  I want to celebrate little moments, rejoice in personal relationships, and focus energy and enthusiasm into many things this year. I have been compiling this list during the first week of the New Year:

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2012 NYE…San Diego

Have dinner parties. Game nights. Bake more; try new recipes. Reorganize, de-clutter often. Plan surprise date nights. Give gifts, just because. Take small getaways. Write letters, send snail mail. Stay positive, complain less. See more shows. Read more books. Have a yard sale, or swap meet booth. Reflect weekly. Create more. Wear dresses more often. Send birthday cards/presents early as to arrive before their birthday. Blog frequently. Smile and laugh daily. Take more pictures. Watch more sunsets.

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New Year.

Posted in Outfits, The Girl, The Curls by

Happy New Year! The Holidays always seem to come and go at such a quick pace. As long as each moment with family and friends is cherished to its full potential, then no matter how quickly Santa and his Reindeer fly by, the Holidays will forever behold loving memories and flourishing spirits.

I am so grateful for all those I was able to see and spend time with, for relaxing days playing cribbage, watching sports, and cooking. Thank you 2012 for all your lessons, memories, adventures, love and laughs. Here’s to the New Year! Cheers!

{Free People sweater, Merona tights, Aldo booties, Juicy wallet,

Cole Haan sunglasses, Michael Kors watch}

On Display

Posted in D.I.Y, Design, The Girl, The Curls by

We all have those drawers, cabinets, closets, and little nooks that we reserve for “stuff I’ll put away, but not right now…” Or those miscellaneous items that do not and may never have a home. Luckily for me, and everyone who visits, these spots of mine are well hidden and actually very few (phew!). It’s ok to have these “junk spots” and most everyone does, sometimes it’s impossible not to…but for things out in the open, all the time, it’s quite important to keep these spaces clean, clutter free, and visually attractive.

Maintenance for display spots in a home should be very low. Dusting should be top priority and pretty much the only upkeep. Reason being, do not reserve these places for “stuff.” Make a rule that papers, envelopes, change, and other random artifacts that creep in daily do not get set on random shelves or counters.

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To keep the looks fresh and people engaged with your home, change the look often by replacing items, rearranging the display or even minimizing it. Try not to add more than necessary as it’s easy to quickly clutter a space.

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Use old, new, modern, vintage pieces alike. This will make the look diverse and dynamic without being stagnant and similar.

Making it a priority to keep these “on-display” areas clean, clutter-free and reserved for special items will transcend into other areas of your home as well. You’ll begin loving the low-maintenance, appealing look that can be ever-changing!

Cheers! -L

Wrapping on a Whim

Posted in D.I.Y, Design, The Girl, The Curls by

It’s always fun and great to give (and receive) gifts “just because.” Whether it’s flowers, cookies, food, or simple items, people enjoy being thought of, even in the simplest of ways. I love it when an item catches my attention and reminds me of a friend or family member. At a fair price, I tend to buy these items give them as “just because” gifts. Sometimes, these gifts are more fun than a birthday or Christmas gift, as they are spontaneous and unexpected! However, unlike the holiday season, wrapping paper and bags aren’t flooding your house, so here are some cheap, quick wrapping ideas for an anytime, any occasion gift…

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{The little gift was an i-phone case I ordered on Amazon for $1.50 including shipping! The bottom picture was a bocce-ball set, for a birthday. I had no time to go out to find wrapping, so I busted out a burlap bag.}

When I find these sorts of gifts, it’s fitting to use easy, cheap and accessible wrappings. That’s why I keep my suitcases at-the-ready; with a plethora of wrapping options inside. My favorite On-a-Whim wrap items include, tissue paper, burlap, twine, stamps and raffia. I also have been incorporating cheese cloth lately. Burlap bags can be found at hardware stores for around $5 and come as 5′ x 5′ bags. Stamps are my favorite way to label packages or letters. My letter set and stamp pad was $15 at Michaels.

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Not only are these really inexpensive, fast, convenient ways to wrap gifts, but also very personable. People will love that their gift is custom wrapped and personally created with them in mind.

Cheers! -L

 

Gone and Gone

Posted in Design, The Girl, The Curls by

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Deepest Apologies for the disappearing act I just pulled for the last week. I was whisked home to Seattle for a lovely week long vacation with friends, family, and the amazing city. It was such a wonderful trip filled with delectable meals, fresh seafood, The Market, a great show by Divine Fits, our cabin, and sailing with our father on Lake Washington. Oh, and these two little muffins…

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Seattle never surprises me with its array of beauty (especially when the sun shines bright) and its amazing hospitality. For a big city, the people remain calm and friendly with smiles and Thank You’s. People help one another out. I am always amazed at all the water, channels, sloughs, rivers and bays that surround the entire area. Seattle is a giant outdoor playground and I am so lucky and happy to call it home.

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Hidden Things

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While geocaching, (It’s a pretty fun thing to do with friends if bored or just in need for a good bike ride around parts of town you don’t normally frequent), we came across this graffiti wall which couldn’t pass up a photo-op. My outfit colors seemed to compliment the graffiti perfectly.

YOU is on the back of my shirt, not YO. Although, YO would definitely be more awesome.

{Target Shirt, Bella Dahl Shorts, Chuck Taylor shoes, Hobo purse, Cole Haan sunglasses}

I found this shirt at Target for a nighttime-lounge shirt, but have come to love it as a casual, day shirt. I typically do not like writing on shirts, especially when it says, “ME,” right on front, but the cut and style of it allow me to put that aside.

Oh and out of four geocaches, we only found one! First timers…maybe we’ll get better.

Cheers! -L