The River

Here are some more snapshots of our vacation in Guerneville. Located 2 minutes from a perfect river beach, 20 minutes from the Pacific Ocean, with a State Park redwood forest on the outskirts of town, we spent a lot of time in nature.  I even bought a pair of Keens (gasp!). Going on this trip I had a little epiphany. I really like feeling as though I'm in the middle of nowhere. Every morning I would go outside and drink my coffee on the deck of our beautiful cabin  and enjoy the quiet.  All I could see was trees and the water, and one time a naked lady walking across her deck at the house across river.  The Russian River is so peaceful and lazy. The public beaches are a little chaotic, though wonderful for kids, but once on river either floating away in a big black inner tube or paddling in a canoe to a private riverbank picnic you just slow down, and it feels so good...

Lucky Bend Lookout, Guernville, CA

The Great Outdoors

Jasper and his best friend Mateo went on their fist backpacking trip yesterday.  I didn't get to go, as this was a father-son trip, but I got my hands on some pictures. They ate beans from a can, toasted marshmallows, climbed "mountains", jumped from rocks, went fishing, used pocketknives, and managed to survive a few bee stings, slithering water snakes, and sleeping in tents with their snoring fathers' after talking themselves to sleep. Like a page from The Dangerous Book for Boys...

Flower Bomb

Acres of ranunculus.  So pretty I kind of can't take it. If you ever find yourself driving through Carlsbad, California between March and May you must stop and visit The Flower Fields.  The farm cuts up a hill, in stripes of color for what feels like miles. Just as amazing as the tulip fields in Holland, looking down from the hilltop you see a rainbow in flowers fading into the Pacific. It was on the verge of rain all morning, so we had beautiful light and got great pictures. They also have the most enchanting European playground.  Nearby are U-pick strawberry fields (also in season) and plenty of flower stands to bring the beauty home.

 

Plastic Fantastic

I'll be spending the next few days in the 6 year old boy paradise otherwise known as Legoland.  Let's be clear, I'm totally on board.  It's not Disneyland and they have a lazy river. Legos are great because they encourage creativity in design, but if you've ever tried to assist in the construction of a Lego kit meant for anyone over the age of 4 then you know how extremely complicated Lego construction can be.  I liken it to putting together an IKEA dresser. Scandinavians must be much smarter than the rest of us.  For a good laugh, read Michael Chabon's book "Manhood For Amateurs".  He has a chapter dedicated to kits and minifigs. I bring up Lego construction, because right now Dwell has a Lego Modern Home Design competition going on. Through April 15th, you get to vote on your favorite.  Knowing what I do about Legos, I find these absolutely amazing (and the descriptions are too).

Water's Edge Live/Work 21st Century, Case Study House-inspired dwelling. Two stories. Filled with Southern California sunlight from every aspect throughout the day. Open deck for sun worshipping. Double-height entrance hall with clear glass cactus atrium. Half-moon infinity water feature on sun deck provides 24/7 wave sounds.

Suburban House "My entry is a representative Mid-Century Modern suburban house with flagstone walls, large windows, fireplace, car port and a mix of flat and angled roofs. In some ways it feels descended from the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The bulk of the model is made from numerous tan, dark tan and light gray 1x2 plates."

Villa Hillcrest "Perched on a Southern California hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Villa Hillcrest is inspired by the work of Richard Neutra and Joseph Eichler during the mid-century modern architecture movement unique to California, and its climate and lush landscapes. The design for Villa Hillcrest expresses key mid-century modernist modes of living, including the celebration of nature and sunlight with large window…"

Ladies Who Lunch

Jess Brown dolls.  Part of my Pretty Little Things board on Pinterest.

I'm about to leave to catch my flight to Palm Springs. There's really nothing like taking a mini vacation with old friends.  It's nice to step away from your everyday life for a bit to catch up, sleep in, recharge. Being a mom to young children is really hard.  There's really no other way to put it.  Whether you have a newborn baby that you are trying to figure out, a sleep disaster, toddler tantrums, food fights, nanny issues... just getting through the day (and night) can make you feel like a skipping record. I think being honest about that and making time for yourself is the only way to be happy.  I should mention that being a mom is also the best thing that ever happened to me, but for totally unexplained reasons. 
xo, Heather