PS:

Before any more time passes - and a new trip takes center stage - I want to share these snapshots from a getaway to Palm Springs with Joe's parents last month. We stayed at the new Sparrows hotel and loved every bit of it: the contemporary rustic design, the property's quiet nature, and their comfortable make-yourself-at-home approach to service. It was just right for showing the Snowbirds (aka my in-laws) how restorative and enjoyable a stay in the desert can be.

I wish that we could go back before moving (more on that later) but our summer is already packed with work and other travels. So what's next? A road trip from LA to Seattle! It'll be a quick one since we're helping a friend move up there but we'll definitely make time for sightseeing and fun. I'm really excited for the drive. I've never driven north of San Fransisco and have never seen the Redwoods ... can't wait to wrap my tiny arms around a giant tree trunk. Yes, cliché photo-op but hey, at least I'm getting back to taking pictures! New adventures await and my spirit, and camera, are ready.

happy friday!

Who says you need a full week or two to do something fun? We used to go to Palm Springs for our quick getaways but now we're headed to a new oasis and I couldn't be more excited! I won't let the fact that the forecast calls for cloudy skies and rain dampen my spirit - I'm sure the colors, flavors, and lively market squares will keep me smiling no matter what.

Can't wait to capture all of the details and share them with you next week. Until then have a wonderful weekend!

Here are this week's three rad links...

• do you nerd out over design freebies? if so, these handy icons will be your godsend via SimpleSong

• my girl Meg and her non-profit Art Feeds were given an amazing gift on abc's Extreme Home Makeover. so proud of her!

• dream big. don't mind if i do. loved this post by Rena Tom for Poppytalk

....and because i've got to plug my own thangs too: i added a few new vintage goodies to the shop. enjoy!

image: colorful doors near columbia road, london

P.S. I Love You

Palm Springs, how I love thee. Just an hour and a half drive out of LA to this sleepy yet perfectly hip town.

It was our third time staying at the Ace Hotel and while we'll always be fans of its casual comforts and poolside beats, I'm sad to report that they just didn't seem to have it together this time around (new management perhaps?). Fumbles aside, we had a great weekend enjoying the bluest of skies, filling our bellies with yummy food, and simply spending quality time together.

And, I'm now obsessed with my new Canon camera. If anyone is handy with these please share your shooting tips! There is much to learn.

Beautiful, relaxing, inspiring...I love Palm Springs.

Ace Hotel: A+ in style all the way

It seems that every time I go somewhere new I end up wanting to live there but this time I really mean it. Spent the weekend at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs and I fell in love. Dont necessarily need to live in sleepy Palm Springs but definitely want to make a home at the little stylish utopia that is the Ace.

Formerly a run-down Howard Johnson hotel, the Ace exemplifies laid back So Cal with a vintage edge. Every detail in this place is thoughtfully executed with a cool casualness and minimalistic yet functional approach. Nothing feels overdone or under appreciated...every item throughout the hotel gets to shine on its own.

Top top things off, the design and decor not only looks good but it oozes eco-friendliness. The only trace of plastic we saw all weekend was in the cups at pool-side (no glass by the pool rule always wins) and in the spa. Everything else seems to either use wood or natural fibers; signs are hand-painted slabs of wood (hopefully reclaimed) and lawn chairs feature cotton rope suspensions (sounds strange but its super comfy). Even the room key is biodegradable paper!

The landscaping is everything you would expect in the desert and hope to see everywhere else too. Native plants, trees, and raked dirt look clean and simple and when facing west, mirror the colors of the rocky mountains in the background.

As for the accommodations: imagine scoring big at the flea market or antique shop and then getting custom carpentry done to compliment the whole look. It was a perfect cross between  Americana and  mid-century modern, both new and old pieces, that felt like a familiar friend welcoming you home. I would have taken photos while the room was tidy but we were too in awe when we got in (and late for the surprise massage session the boyfriend booked!).

We did more than just drool over the decor and design, too. We drooled over the food... the spa... sweet tunes blasting at the pools...and imagined what it would be like to have a big party there.  The entire weekend was exactly what I needed to re-charge before upcoming work travels.

Needless to say we will be going back soon but not soon enough!