NEW PHOTOGRAPH/ARTWORK JUST ADDED!

/I just added some new photography to my Fine Art America page! Here's my favorite one...I'm going to put this one on canvas and hang it in the dining room!

Last weekend, my husband and I decided to visit our local Farmer's Market (here in Claremont). It was such a beautiful day. We had a delicious breakfast on an outdoor patio- while people watching. Then, we made our way to the local market, featuring organic and home grown vegetables, fruit, homemade honey and bread...can't you just smell it! There were also a few vendors selling succulents and other plants. I was drooling over all of the succulents and snapped this shot. 

ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET

GOT FLEAS? WE DO!
The second Sunday of each month, most designers in LA throw on their most comfy shoes, slap on some sunscreen, grab some cash and head over to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena for some SERIOUS shopping! Said to be the World's most unusual Flea Market and the shopping place of the stars, it features over 2,500 vendors and 15,000 to 20,000 buyers every month!
Personally, I was most interested in browsing through the vintage and antique section. So, we headed that way and could not believe how many vendors were there! The flea market is GIGANTIC, and it's just this endless sea of vendors. The day we attended it was about 85 degrees....warning...there is NO shade! I was sunburned in the end, but it was worth it. We only made it to a fraction of the vendors, so hope to go back October 10th! I'm hoping for cool, overcast weather that day! Here's some of what you might see there:

This means...you're at the right place!

The flea market is open from 9:00am-4:30pm

It's $8.00 for admission, and they give you $2 bills for change!

This was strange to see there, but it was unique and entertaining. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

Retro chrome chandelier

For the mid-century modern designers.... this is was a pristine Le Corbusier lounge chair!

For the seamstress in you, here's a great vintage dress form

Vintage stage lights...amazing, but expensive!

Faux bamboo chairs! If these had cushions, I would have bought them in a second!

   Oh...Andy Warhol was even there!



CLOSET ENVY

Most of us women (and some men...whether they admit it or not) have too many darn clothes! I must admit that I keep everything when it comes to clothes! I try to donate some to Goodwill or charity, but most of the time I talk myself into keeping things that I might "wear again someday"....let's face it, we will NEVER wear it and we can keep dreaming that we'll fit into half that stuff again too! And...do we really believe that these clothing items will be "forever fashionable" so when you do fit in it (just trying to be optimistic), it will actually still be in style and you'll look like the runway model that you are?

I've received some great advice about clothes...."if you haven't worn or used it in the last year, then get rid of it!" Sounds like a great way to live, but until I actually get the courage to follow through, I need more closet space!

I have to confess that every closet in my house is filled with my clothes. No room for guests, kids or husband items....I need the space! So, needless to say, it's time to get some serious closet organization underway. For a little inspiration, I found these photos! Maybe these amazing closets will light a fire under your buns too!

contemporary closet design

contemporary closet design by containerstore.com

contemporary closet design by los angeles architect Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design

contemporary closet design

contemporary closet design by austin interior designer Richens Designs, Inc.

modern closet design by boston architect LDa Architecture & Interiors

LOFT32 GUEST POST FEATURED TODAY

MY GUEST POST, FEATURED ON expectmoore.blogspot.com POSTED TODAY! Carolina says:I have to admit something really crazy here - I went to a mall last weekend in San Diego with my mom (no, that's not the crazy part), and as we went into the stores, I thought about how much this shirt or that skirt reminded me of something I've seen on a Blog. This is not because bloggers are ripping off the designers or vice versa - it is because I haven't stepped foot in a Mall since Christmas (unless Target counts as a Mall?). I am hopefully outdated when it comes to fashion, and trends. It is a good thing that jeans and plain t-shirts never got out of style (um, they are still in style, right?)

This is where Candace comes in... she has got true style when it comes to home decor (want to help me out with my beige walls?). She scours the stores, web, catalogs, whatever, and comes up with great posts consolidating all of it. She also shows before and afters of her own renovation projects (she's not just "talking the talk" when it comes to decor...) Thanks to her wonderful blog I can now tell you about stylish bathroom renovating and upscale pastels. I can even chat about classy birdhouses...
all while wearing my jeans and white t-shirt...

Hi! I'm Candace, the editor of Loft32 blog. I'm honored to be your guest blogger for the day during this exciting "Pocket Week". So, let's get to it....There's no doubt that we're all talented crafters, scrapbookers or seamstresses....but let's face it, we have lots of clutter! In order to create our masterpieces, it requires tons of "stuff" (your husband might call it something else) such as: stamps, ink pads, scissors, fabric, yarn, equipment, paper, glue and other necessities!

Most of us aren't lucky enough to have an entire room to work in. Nope! Instead, we have our little "pocket" of space that was designated as our "work area"! Keeping organized is one way to keep your sanity, but what about how it fits in with that chic decor of the rest of the house? Usually, people come over and you say-"this is my gorgeous kitchen, this is my lovely master bedroom, and...oh yeah, that's my craft area" and then rush them quickly passed it, hoping they didn't have time to catch a glimpse of the chaos! Just so you know...it IS absolutely possible to turn that "pocket" into an attractive, decorated space-one you'll want to show off to your guests and one which blends in well with the rest of your decor style. Here are some examples of some chic crafting spaces of all sizes!

[photos courtesy of BHG and Houzz]

Most of these crafters didn't use cabinets, but instead they chose open shelving. Cabinets tend to make smaller spaces look tiny, so even though you have tons of things to place onyour shelves, it's still best to keep them open, which allows better access too!

Hopefully, these spaces presented some great ideas and some really unique ways to stay organized, store your notions and keep it chic!

HANGING AROUND

One of the things I love most about our house is the extended porch. It’s private, covered and has a beautiful view of the front garden area. When we first bought the house, I envisioned sitting out there on a warm evening, enjoying the neighborhood and good company (okay, and maybe some ice cream). Well....two years later, we still have a bare and lonely porch. Hoping to begin remodeling the outside of the house, I've been looking at benches, bistro sets and other possible furnishings that might work in this space. Then I came across these "hanging" chairs! They are certainly unique (a must for me), and might be a nice addition out there. Not to mention they look really cozy! Now which ones should I choose? Hmmm.....

[style files]

[outback chair]

OH DOMINO!

We all remember Domino! Oh how I miss thee....Lately I've found myself drawn to black and yellow color combinations. So fresh, yet chic, wouldn't you say? These are some amazing pairing of pieces by designers and Domino!

GALLERY ENTRYWAY

Simple, contemporary frames let you create your own gallery of photos and artwork. I used my entryway to display my travel photos from New York to Seattle to Monterey. It was my way to remember my great travels, but mostly because I am extremely picky when it comes to artwork. Since I couldn't find the perfect artwork, I decided to just use gallery frames and my own photos. Some of my photos are available in my Etsy shop.
Again, being a very....let's say.... particular person, I was not satisfied with the console tables out there. I did find some, but I wasn't overly excited about all of the products that are veneer wood. I wanted something that was solid wood and that would be modern, yet timeless. So, my friends referred me to a great woodworker in Long Beach that was able to create the exact look I wanted. The console is solid alder and stained in an espresso finish. I am 100% satisfied!
I have to tell you that I love these antler accessories. I know...some think it's awful, but I love them!

BUDDHA-LICIOUS

Did I mention I'm very attracted to Buddhas? Well....it's true, I am. In fact, I just found one for my new console table. Buddhism teaches people how to reduce their suffering by understanding themselves better. No, I am not a Buddhist, but I do agree, that we all need to understand ourselves better.  Buddhists believe that Buddha was enlightened, which means that he knew all about how to live a peaceful life. That is what the Buddha represents for me, not religion, but rather, a peaceful life. Buddhas have quickly become a modern element in many households, including mine and I'm very excited that I finally found one! 

Here's mine:

Here's one from Ryan Brown and Jeff Lewis' Valley Oak property (just a tad bigger):

OHHH....HOW SUCCULENT

The bold look of succulents makes them an ideal compliment to modern homes. They thrive on neglect, conserve water, and retain their color year round. Faceted surfaces and geometric patterns make succulents perfect for adding texture to any indoor or outdoor space.

Each one being unique, I create these drought-tolerant beauties as personal gifts. The fresh succulents and pottery are hand selected to fit the personality and style of the person I'm designing one for.

This succulent garden was designed in a copper bowl for a transitional space. The variety of colors and textures in this arrangement were chosen to look great with indoor decor or as an outdoor centerpiece.

The succulent garden below was created in a green color scheme. I added red toned varieties and a low profile pot, which made it appealing for any style decor.