fruits of summer

in a perfect world i'd live somewhere with fall weather and summer fruit. not that i'm complaining. california's not so bad.

earlier this week i bought an enormous watermelon and it made me ridiculously happy. it must have been a really long time since i've had a watermelon because i don't remember them being so perfectly sweet and wonderful. and surprisingly (to me at least) there are lots of ways to enjoy it:

bonnie mentioned eating it with a little basil sprinkled on top (as pictured above), i've also had it with a few fresh mint leaves, jasmine makes a mean watermelon salad, i remember when i was little my dad and i would eat it with a little sea salt sprinkled on top and of course plain and sweet is always a favorite.

watermelon, you can do no wrong.

are there any fruits you look forward to in the summer?

photo credit: shoko and bonnie tsang

a few photos

they're from the blogshop weekend but i had to most them. have i mentioned what a great weekend it was?

san francisco

i had so much fun in san francisco last weekend with krista and alice. there was lots of food, lots of walking, a little rain and a fair amount of shopping. i really loved san francisco and will be back asap!

what nobody tells you

the avalon, beverly hills

so i've been talking non stop about what a wonderful weekend i had in la. it was truly wonderful. part of it was the amazing blogshop with bri and angela. i can't say enough how great it was and how many fun, talented people i met.

but this post is for the avalon. it was such a treat to stay there. the hotel itself is gorgeous. designed by kelly weastler, the avalon is slightly retro and super chic. not only is it beautiful but everyone at the hotel from the consierge to the valet was welcoming and friendly and the atmosophere is relaxed. and the restaurant, oliverio, was of course delicious.

i also found out that marilyn monroe lived at the avalon for two years. i wouldn't mind that one bit.

sigh... i can't wait to go back.

photos: the avalon, copyright Viceroy Hotel group

birthday playlist

i put together a little (belated) birthday playlist. these are some of my favorite summer-ish, mellow-ish songs. download away if you like.

1. pennies from heaven
2. sugar town
3. folding chair
4. underneath the mango tree
5. the mermaid parade
6. never know
7. the ancient commonsense of things
8. the river
9. songs in my pocket
10. norway
11. vintage books
12. shake sugaree

i hope you love these songs. i can't get enough.

and you know, as always, i'm happy to share the music i purchase but if you like it you should go purchase the songs too and support the artists. it's fun and gives you good karma and will make your hair shinier.

the gorgeous polaroid is by hilary aka curioush

what i did this weekend

B L O G S H O P from Bri Emery on Vimeo.

BLOGSHOP PHOTOBOOTH! from Bri Emery on Vimeo.

an ah-mazing weekend. i fell in love with la big time. and with blogging. and with photoshop. these are the funnest girls ever. photo taken by ithyle

blog shoppin'

look what i made. bri and angela are the best teachers. photoshop has never felt so useable. (though you must exuse my wonky handwriting) i can't wait for our second day of class tomorrow.