March 07, 2016

ST. PATRICK'S DAY RAINBOW FEATHER CROWN DIY

March 07, 2016/ MARLAN

I loved this St. Patrick's Day rainbow feather crown from last year so much I thought I'd share it with you again!

Obsessed with feather crowns over here! So why not make one for St. Patrick's Day? This DIY is pretty fast and easy but still packs a colorful punch.

Here's what you'll need: colored feathers, gold headband, gems, hot glue gun, scissors. To start, choose your feathers in a rainbow of your liking:

Trim the stems so that all the feathers are close to the same length:

Turn the headband inside out and glue the feathers with a hot glue gun to the inner middle of the band:

Choose your gems:

Turn headband right side out. Place gems below the headband to make sure you like the configuration first. Then glue them on band with hot glue gun:

And you're done! Now you can go chasing leprechauns and pots of gold.

September 14, 2015

THE GARDENS AT GREYSTONE MANSION

September 14, 2015/ MARLAN

Mila and I recently spent a morning exploring the gardens at Greystone Mansion. It reminded me so much of my childhood, as Twink and I both went to summer camp there as kids. It's kind of unreal that this place exists in LA. In my ongoing quest to find a European garden in Southern California, I'm grateful to have rediscovered this gem.

How incredible are these cypress trees?

Perfect fountain on a hot day.

So much fun exploring.

Greystone Park is located at: 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Admission to the grounds and parking are free. Hours are 10am - 5pm (6pm during daylight savings) seven days a week.

Mia's dress is from Tutu Du Monde via Thumbeline.

May 13, 2015

EXPLORING GATES PARK IN CALABASAS

May 13, 2015/ MARLAN

I'm always on the lookout for a good park. So I was so happy to find this gem, hidden in a quiet Calabasas neighborhood. I'm ready to call it my own! Here are some highlights from Gates Park.

March 19, 2015

THE GETTY CENTER

March 19, 2015/ MARLAN

Any time I feel like LA has lost its luster, I should just go to The Getty Center. It makes me so incredibly appreciative. I often feel jealous when I think of the incredible parks of Paris, and how I wish I spent every Sunday enjoying family time basking in the verdant surroundings. But when I visit the Getty, I feel better about this city (#thestruggleisreal).

The first time I brought Mila to visit, she was 1 and just walking (running everywhere). So I vowed not to go back until she was 5. I thought she would need to be a bit older to appreciate what it had to offer (wink). But I must say that at 2 (well, 2 and 3/4), she loved it and we both had a great time. We went about an hour before they closed to explore the grounds.

Make sure you don't miss the sculpture garden, right next to the tram entrance.

The Central Garden just gets me, every time.

Obsessed with the bougainvillea arbors. And these chairs make me feel like I'm experiencing Parisian park life.

Oh hi, did you forget your stroller (like me)? Don't worry, they've got you covered with complimentary wheels.

It's quite a remarkable place and I'm so thankful to Mr. Getty and his philanthropy for making it available (and free!) for all to enjoy.

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.