Sweet Home California

Last week, Dave and I jumped on a plane and flew to my hometown in Southern California.  I haven't been home since Brooke's Baby Shower, which was about a year and a half ago (how does time pass by so quickly??!!).  We stayed at my grandparents' house, a place I've been visiting since I was a little girl.  It brought back such happy memories-- my sister and I used to spend long weekends there as children.  My grandparents took us on picnics, taught us how to ice skate, and planned many other weekend adventures.  Everything revolved around us, and now, as an adult, I'm so grateful for the time we shared.  We didn't watch television at their house, so we ended up playing long (and very competitive!) card games into the evenings.  Some of the best memories with my grandparents involve sitting around the kitchen table, eating ice cream, and playing cards. 

 

My entire family flew into town to celebrate my Grandpa's life.  My sister, her husband, and 3 month old baby(!!!) flew in from Florida; my parents flew in from Indianapolis.  We came in from Philadelphia.  Grandpa passed away recently at the age of 92, and was in fantastic shape up until the end.  It was important to him that we hold a small, private service-- nothing fancy.  So, that's what we did.  The "party", as we called it, wasn't sad.  But instead, it was happy.  My cousins and I shared memories of him (a crazy character if you ever knew one) and looked at old photos.  We ate take-out food off of the good china, used Grandma's best silver, and we drank wine.  Here are a few snapshots of the happy trip...  

 

 

boarding the plane in Philadelphia /

Hello, California!  The view from our seat as we descended.

Grandma has a green thumb, check out her ten foot hedges! /

her Meyer lemon tree produces lemons year round

 

going through old photos for the party, I found this precious shot of my dad and uncle at Echo Park, late 1950s / As a child, Grandma was given a different tea cup and saucer every year for her birthday.  This stunning collection is a result of that.  Wow!

 

 

On east coast time, Dave and I made a 6am trip to the Home Depot (Dave planned on doing some repair work at Grandma's house).  My goodness!!  Who knew they sold flowers like this at the Home Depot?!  Certainly not in Pennsylvania.

 

 

I purchased buckets full of white roses and white hydrangeas to decorate Grandma's house

The dining room centerpiece I created with 36 white roses and Grandma's vintage crystal compote.  With a block of floral foam, this arrangement couldn't have been easier.

picture boards for Grandpa

 

 

Meeting my nephew, Mickey, for the very first time-- magic!  He's incredibly perfect and I think I cried for an hour.  He's so happy and beautiful!

I couldn't keep my hands off of him.  And, he smells so good.  I love being Aunt Kelly.

 

here he is with Uncle Dave.

 

 

and here, with his GREAT Grandmas.  :)

 

 

 

While in California, I also managed to spend some quality time with my best friend, Brooke.  That girl had me laughing so hard, I cried.  Is there anything better in the world than a belly laugh with good girlfriends?  Nothing better.  I'm so grateful for my people.  :)

Now that I'm back, I have a few posts lined up for the week.  An update on our cobblestone driveway  is in order.  Also, I made a trip to New York City last week to visit two of my best friends.  I'll share some photos of that adventure as well.  Happy Monday!

 

 

xoxo,

Kelly

 

 

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Jason LaFerrera

I'm loving these pieces by New York based artist, Jason LaFerrera.  Using vintage maps, he creates these stunning digital collages.  The Grizzly Bear is my favorite.  It measures a whopping 20" x 30" and it reminds me of California.

More fantastic prints from Jason LaFerrera:

Visit his professional website, and buy a print HERE.

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Peace Out

Happy Weekend kiddos.

These crazy pictures are from the Sapinus Pro Stand Up Paddling surf competition in Tahiti.  My hometown surf shop posted some shots on their facebook page yesterday, and they were just too gnarley to ignore.  :)

Have an adventurous weekend!

xoxo,

Kelly

images via Killer Dana and Stand Up World Tour

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Back Home

Hi guys!  I'm back from my quick trip to California.  I left on Friday, returned on a red eye flight this morning, and made sure that every day of my visit was action packed!  The weather was completely spectacular-- lots of sunshine and ocean breezes.  Most days were spent prepping for a VERY special baby shower, visiting with dear friends, and having quiet dinners with the grandparents...  but, I was able to sneak in a Friday night with a friend I hadn't seen in eleven years!  It was great.  Don't you love how you can pick up right where you left off?  Like no time has passed!  Even after eleven years? 

chardonnay - reuniting with a long time friend - lots of good conversation

(killer view)

sunset

As usual, my visit came to an end too quickly.  I'm sure this is how most people feel when they go "home" to their hometown.  When you get there, it's like a big fuzzy blanket wrapped around you.  You forget that you missed it so much?  All the streets are familiar, the sounds are familiar, the smells.  Funny things like a street sign or a familiar restaurant trigger bizarre memories of growing up.  And, clearly the best parts of going "home" are seeing those familiar faces, the great conversations, and lots of spontaneous laughter.  I have the most dear friends and family, and I feel truly blessed.


Now that I'm back in Philadelphia, it feels good to be home here too.  It's sunny, the grass seed we planted has grown so much over the weekend, and I've got a busy week ahead of me.  :)

In case you were wondering, the baby shower was GORGEOUS and everything went off without a hitch!  I can't wait to share the pictures with you.  And also, lots of DIY party projects and recipes (like Blackforest cupcakes-- to die for good).

Happy Tuesday everyone.

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Hometown Visitor

I was a guest in my own hometown this weekend, and I had the best time.  While a try to catch up on my work this morning, I thought I would share a few photos from my trip...

(still on east coast time, I took a walk before the sunrise)

(Dana Point Harbor-- our view from breakfast at Proud Mary's)

(shopping at the Rainbow Factory in San Clemente.  picked up a couple of things...)

(on my way to Corona Del Mar, driving north on PCH)

(attended a baby shower for my dear friend; lunch was poolside)

(Salt Creek Beach, where I spent many many summer days)

(the view from Sunday breakfast in Laguna Beach)

(a neighbor's succulent garden and sprawling bougainvilla)

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