Santa Barbara

I feel so relaxed and refreshed after our little mini getaway.  We slept in, went for bike rides, hiked, visited historical sites, went shopping and ate oh so much!  Here are a few of my favourite photos from the weekend...

 

 

 

 

1. Luke at Stearn's Wharf  2. Vintage collectibles store in State Street  3. Yachts  4. Crushcakes  5. Me turning into a butterball  6. Elephants at Santa Barbara Zoo

Happy Times!

 

One more day til Thanksgiving and then I'll be going away with my husband to Santa Barbara (any tips on where to dine and what to do would be great!) for our first little getaway since moving to the U.S almost 18 months ago.  We probably haven't chosen the best destination for this weather but I'm sure we'll still have fun!  

Before I take off for a few days, I thought I'd quickly share with you some things that I'm thankful for - my husband for being the very best friend anyone could ever wish for, my mum who Skypes me atleast once a week, my dad who always sees the silver lining and my little sister who is as solid as a rock.  Also my brothers, my friends, central air, chips and gravy, the internet, baked goods, Nick Cave, Egyptian cotton and my lovely readers!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

*A peek of a custom wedding invite I've been working on.  Also, check out The Clothes Horse for a wee feature on Pop Pop Portraits.

Where art thou, UPS Man?

Last weekend I convinced my husband to purchase these sunglasses for me as a super early birthday present.  They were supposed to be shipped within three business days. Instead of sitting on my eager little nose they are in a warehouse in Covina without explanation :( I can't wait to meet you Number Two!  

 

*custom portrait I did for a lovely customer of her best friend

HAPPY WEEKEND!

I think you're funny Mr. Lennon

 

Last night I went to see Ghost of a Saber Toothed Tiger aka Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl at Largo at the Coronet.  The music was poetic and whimsical and the duo were a visual delight.  I forget how great it is to see live music, especially at a smaller venue...it makes me feel inspired.  Just thought I'd share.

Holiday Giveaway!

Miss James of Bleubird is hosting a Pop Pop Portraits giveaway, huzzah!  Visit her super stylish blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a custom watercolour couple portrait.

Happy Mondays

This video makes me chuckle a little bit.  The fashion, the choreography, Shaun Ryder...the Nineties!

Anyway,  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Mine was quite delightful!  Curly fries, cupcakes, shopping and a little celebrity spotting.  We also went to Mercedes Helnwein's exhibition opening at the Merry Karnowsky gallery.  The work was stunning and I was in awe.  Happy Monday!

Natalie

A Love Note

I'm thinking about new products for the store...

maybe??

Molly the Greeting Card Designer

Jessica

Lily the Embullient Chocolatier

Meet Lily.  She is studying to become a chocolatier at Valrhona: École du Grand Chocolat  in France.  She misses her home dearly but she is also having the time of her life.  Lily has met a lovely french boy, Alex.  They eat cheese pastries and macarons together and invent new albeit somewhat weird chocolate flavours.

Halloween @ Villain's Tavern

I can't believe it's November already and the start of another work week (for my husband!).  Does anyone feel like Halloween went by too quickly?  Back home we don't really celebrate this holiday so it was great to see EVERYONE dressed up for the occasion, bar two Australians who will definitely be in costume next year!  On Saturday night  we went to Villain's Tavern to check out some bands and have a couple of drinks.  On Sunday we went to a flea market, grabbed some lunch at the Village Idiot,  I had the best creamed spinach, artichoke and mushroom pie,  and loitered around Melrose trying on hats.  Sigh, five whole days till the weekend again.