July 13, 2015

PADARO BEACH IN CARPINTERIA

July 13, 2015/ MARLAN

Our love for the coast took us to Padaro Beach in Carpinteria. This rustic beach is located just north of the famous Rincon Beach (one of the best surfing spots in the world). It's a local favorite with street parking and a short walk over the train tracks.

Just down the road, Santa Claus Lane has a small row of restaurants and shopping. The Garden Market has lovely outdoor seating -- perfect for sipping wine over a game of cards.

Padaro Beach Grill has a beautiful view of the ocean, a sandbox for the kids to play in and a big lawn to lounge on.

June 10, 2015

TOLUCA LAKE'S OLIVE & THYME

June 10, 2015/ MARLAN

I'd like to personally thank Melina Davies for bringing Olive & Thyme to Toluca Lake. She and Alex Eusebio of Sweetsalt are certainly responsible for establishing the neighborhood's food scene.

Walking into Olive & Thyme, you're enveloped in eye candy, with lots of little details: from the flowers (peonies on every table) to the vintage farm animals sweetly placed in each nook.

The gourmet restaurant and marketplace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but my favorite is lunch. Their Cobb salad with spicy Russian dressing is a go-to.

The case is always filled with vibrant salads and sides, as well as incredible cheeses and charcuterie.

The space is quite large and lends itself well to pursuing the marketplace filled with sweets, cookbooks and home decor treats. Our fave, Hedley & Bennett, is represented with mini aprons.

Olive & Thyme is located at 3821 Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake. Closed on Sundays.

May 05, 2015

FAVORITE MOTHER'S DAY PARTY IDEAS

May 05, 2015/ MARLAN

Flowers, flowers and more flowers, that's what I want when it comes to Mother's Day. Here are some of our favorite Mother's Day party ideas. Lots of floral inspiration with some food, drink and DIY jewelry thrown in for fun.

Floral wristlets from Bash Please and Jenni Kayne via 100 Layer Cakelet.

Bespoke bouquet bar from Emily Henderson and Camila Alves for Target.

Mimosa bar by J Wiley Photography, Intertwined Events and Be Inspired PR via Green Wedding Shoes.

Naked cake covered in peonies from Twink + Sis by One Eleven Photography on Style Me Pretty Living.

Modern Tea Party from Oh Happy Day.

Flower wall from Kelli Miller of Sugar Blossom Designs.

Asymmetrical necklace DIY from Paper & Stitch.

April 07, 2015

THE FLOWER FIELDS

April 07, 2015/ MARLAN

Unless I book a trip to Holland, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are probably my best chance at seeing 70 million flowers. The floricultural attraction spans 50 acres of colorful hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean (about 2 hours south of Los Angeles).

The Flower Fields are only open a couple months every year (March 1 - May 10, 2015).

The main attraction is the massive sea of ranunculus.

About 125,000 visitors tour the ranunculus fields, to see brilliantly bright colors like sunset gold, pink and merlot.

Antique tractor ride for $5.

Lots of room for running.

The highlight for Mila was Santa's Playground, especially the great pink house.

Food within 15 minutes: In-N-Out Burger Carlsbad, Whole Foods Encinitas.

March 11, 2015

THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM AND BOTANIC GARDEN

March 11, 2015/ MARLAN

I'll admit it, I get jealous of New York and their incredible Central Park (it's only 843 acres of green oasis in the middle of a metropolis). But Los Angeles has its fair share of beautiful parks too. The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is pretty stunning. At 127 acres it gives you plenty to look at, especially in the spring when the flowering trees are in bloom. But the highlight, especially with a toddler, was the peacocks who roam the property at their leisure. Being amongst the majestic creatures was like walking through a wonderland.