{market memo} rose bowl flea market

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It's been a while but I finally visited my mecca, the Rose Bowl Flea Market, last weekend. I've been going since I was a teenager and I still feel anxious and excited every time I approach the entrance. The bright colors, the old timey music, the two dollar bills you get in change when you pay with a ten - it's and experience even before you go through gates.  I love the London and European markets for their authenticity but this one really takes the cake in terms of offerings for me. Unlike other markets that focus primarily on small bric-a-brac, the Rose Bowl flea features parking lots full of furniture, clothes, and everything in between. Since I'm only visiting, I went without an agenda and was open to finding treasures that could be put into our storage if need be. It sounds silly to buy something for later but I'm still dreaming about a chandelier that I passed on before moving to London and I vowed to not do that again. I ended up only buying one small pot for our succulents in KL but I did find myself drawn to chairs and metal patio furniture. Wouldn't those yellow ones look great in my future Palm Springs lounge? And the stools for the poolside bar? It was so hot that morning that a swim and a cold drink were really the only things on my mind. Because of that not much shopping got done but I did relish the chance to be in my mecca once again. Do you have a favorite flea market where you live or one that you've traveled to?

when greene & greene ruled

This Sunday I had the sudden urge to get out of the house...just me and my camera. I found myself at The Gamble House that's fortunately just a few minutes up the road. This place is incredible and the most perfect example of the American Craftsman movement in architecture. Joe and I took a tour of it a few years ago and the detail inside is even more outstanding than its exterior. Built of solid wood and Tiffany Glass accents, this is one of the most well known structures created by the Greene brothers.

If you look through more photos on my flickr page you may recognize the garage (now the operating foundation's bookstore)...it was Doc's home in Back to The Future! Always thought that was pretty neat.

There are so many architectural treasures like this in Pasadena and only in my adult years have I come to recognize and appreciate them. If you have yet to visit and explore Pasadena, it's definitely worth a day trip!

LA or Europe?

If it weren't for the oh-so-SoCal-palm trees, this scene could be straight out of a European city. I don't exactly know where since I've never crossed the pond, but I do hope to find out soon.

In the meantime, views from the Westin Pasadena pool deck will have to do! Anyone have an idea of what type of architecture the pictured city hall was modeled after?

Have a happy weekend!

LA or Europe?

If it weren't for the oh-so-SoCal-palm trees, this scene could be straight out of a European city. I don't exactly know where since I've never crossed the pond, but I do hope to find out soon.

In the meantime, views from the Westin Pasadena pool deck will have to do! Anyone have an idea of what type of architecture the pictured city hall was modeled after?

Have a happy weekend!

LA or Europe?

If it weren't for the oh-so-SoCal-palm trees, this scene could be straight out of a European city. I don't exactly know where since I've never crossed the pond, but I do hope to find out soon.

In the meantime, views from the Westin Pasadena pool deck will have to do! Anyone have an idea of what type of architecture the pictured city hall was modeled after?

Have a happy weekend!

Could be worse

If I must go to city hall to contest a parking ticket at least it's in Pasadena. Walking through the building made a typically tedious process somewhat dare I say it, pleasant.

Can't eat, can't sleep

Well, not really but it's that kind of love that I have for this house.

Over one year ago I was driving down the street where this beauty resides when I literally slammed on the breaks and reversed so that I could take a picture of it (yeah, I do stuff like that but I know what I like when I see it!).

Last month, a local Pasadena magazine featured the home in an article and I instantly fell in love, like, crazy in love. The funny thing is that the article only showed interior shots such as the one pictured above. It also noted the name of the house as the Alson Clark Studio and Residence.

A quick google search later and I come to realize that it's the exact same house that I took a picture of over one year ago!!!

It's meant to be...

(and yes, this is the house pictured in my recent "fin de semana" post. Not a stalker, we were just in the area :) )

Fin de semana

Scenic route through beautiful oak tree covered neighborhoods in Pasadena.

My dream home of the moment. It's modern, small, has native plants, and overlooks The Arroyo and Rose Bowl.

Some of the best fish tacos around are found at Gerlach's. And yes, it's that little kiosk looking place next to the liquor store.

Ride up to Dodger Stadium via China Town. Love how prominent City Hall looks in the mirror.

7th inning stretch. I needed it after two Dodger Dogs!

It was the boyfriend's birthday so that meant no work for ANAMU! We revved up his bike, bought me a new helmet, and rode around town. Not pictured here was an amazing dinner at Dish Bistro and the best movie experience ever at Gold Class Cinemas, both in Old Pasadena. I like Joe's birthday :)