A Little Tribute to Norma Jeane

So we all have that one celebrity (or maybe a few) that we are completely enamored with...at least I do! That celebrity would have to be the late Marilyn Monroe.  I don't know if it was her charisma, her sadness, or her sudden death that I am drawn to. It has been almost fifty years since her death, and she is still continuing to inspire artists.  I'm including some of her more rare photos...so enjoy!

I have this one framed on my wall compliments of Matthew!

just chillin with Abe

Call of Duty

It's PUMPKIN TIME!!!!

Well it has FINALLY cooled down in the central coast, with heavy fog last night and now this morning.  I have to say, my favorite way of waking up is with the fog and a cup o' joe! (or a pumpkin latte, but lets not get fancy).  I have had a pretty crazy week with work and school that I finally realized Halloween is two weeks away!!! That means it's time to bust out those pumpkins.

How cute is this Louis Vuitton pumpkin?

My boyfriend, Matthew, is an amazing artist..I think I will see if he can replicate this cool Atlas pumpkin I found..I'm sure he can!

Since this is my favorite month, I tend to go all out on the pumpkin-ness.  I never pass up a chance to get a pumpkin latte from starbucks (if you have not tried the salted caramel mocha...you are missing out!!!) pumpkin frozen yogurt, pumpkin cookies (well, they're not MY pumpkin cookies, but a lovely friend bakes them and ships them for me for my birthday...which is in 9 days eeek!!!) pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes....I mean the list goes on. 


On my next day off, I'm planning on trying this pumpkin cookie recipe off food network (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pumpkin-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/index.html)  I will let you know if it's yummy!!


Happy pumpkin-ing!

What will the home of 2015 look like? Here's an clue...

Here is the home of 2015, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  These homes are expected to decrease in size; current homes are averaging around 2400 square ft, and these homes will average around 2150 square ft.  Even if the real estate market jumps up, future homes will decrease in size and also lose the living room,  but instead gain a great room (which combines the family and living room).  With keeping the house smaller, builders are able to have more creative freedom and cater to what home owners really want.  We can expect to see larger laundry rooms, larger master suite closets, eat in kitchens and more ceiling fans. 

Overall, I think downsizing the house is a good idea because there is so much wasted square footage when you get up to the 3,000 and up sq ft. house.  Also making the houses much more affordable is key in a slumping economy. 

If you'd like to read more, check this site out: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/a-look-ahead-at-new-homes-of-2015.html

We are well on our way to the Jetsons look!

The HI-MACS house in Bavaria

Love the window-walls. what a view!

 I'm constantly browsing design blogs to find the latest and greatest architecture finds.  This house is called the HI-MACS House in Bavaria, Germany, and it is made entirely from HI-MACS solid surface, which is made from 75% natural materials and 25% acrylates.  The villa was built for a very lucky family following the style of the Bauhaus movement.  A little too modern for me, but still pretty nonetheless.

Exterior view of the pool.

Ultra modern interiors but kept warm with great ambient lighting. 

Design-milk accessories

Sort of Coal is a Danish company that focuses on simple pleasures.  Everybody loves coal in the shape of soap right?

 One of my favorite websites for inspiration is Design-Milk.com.  They feature everything from the latest designs in accessories, to unique architecture and design.  I found some neat accessories...so enjoy!!

How cool is this watch from Mr. Jones Watches?  The font reads "remember you will die" so you will learn to cherish every moment you have.

This is called "the picker's wallet" by W + P.  Cute!!

Moleskin Ipod, Ipad and Iphone accessories.

Oscar de la Renta's Ipad case...yes please!

Don't piss me off if I'm wearing these!! By Barbara Gogini

Bust out your rainboots...

 Here on the Central Coast we are VERY spoiled with our weather... we rarely notice when the season changes because our weather stays pretty consistent all year round.  Until last night, when the rain gods decided to dump buckets of rain and wind our way.  Now this would be all fine and dandy if we lived somewhere like Seattle for example, because they're used to it.  But us central coasters tend to freak out when our sun decides to take a snooze.  Drivers are disoriented, people are grumpy, and all our department stores "run" out of cute rain boots.  As for me, I do love the rain but HATE going out and about in it.  I've decided that rainy weather was created so we can be lazy bums in bed all day eating homemade brownies and watching re-runs of Sex and the City....or maybe that is just me.  Unfortunately I'll have to post-pone that activity for now because I'm off to work..boots and all! Have a safe and slippery day!

Workin' it in the rain.. I give her props!

A house built in a sand dune???

How cool is the front exterior?

 I was on Yahoo! this morning and ran into this fun article about an actual house built IN a sand dune! This house was built by architect William Morgan in Atlantic Beach, FL. in 1975.  When Morgan began surveying the land, he hated the neighbor's houses and didn't want to "associate" with them, so he went underground.  Dubbed the "Dune" house, this spectacle is actually for rent, listed now for $1.4 million.  It is actually two symmetrical apartments joined by a main landing.  After it was completed, Playboy magazine approached Morgan and asked if they could do a photo-shoot featuring the home.  Who knew Playboy had good taste in architecture?!
Each 750 sq. ft. apartment is two stories tall and features  a built in kitchen with plenty of picturesque views.  Morgan stated that he built the house like a "seashell" and wanted it to feel like being in a submarine.  As far as temperature goes, the grass roof assumes the ground temperature of 70 degrees.  Also, each room comes complete with a humidifier to control the humidity!  What a fun summer you could have by renting the Dune house....Who's in?!

A view of the backyard

Interior shot.  I love the built in sofa and the curved stairs! The wood paneling is also great! Not loving the carpet though.

Another view of the interior.  I like how each space has a view to the outside to prevent this from being like a cave.