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Hola, how was your weekend?

Ours was all about traveling and settling back into our flat; man does it feel good to be home!!! One of the things that I love about London is that the architectural details are so different from everything that I grew up with in LA. When we moved here I became obsessed with noting the tiny details of building facades and period characteristics of the 1600's onwards.

Los Angeles is obviously much newer so going back for a visit after being away for a while proved to be super inspiring. Everything from the Mexican and Spanish Colonial details around El Pueblo/Olvera Street, the Art Deco facades in Old Pasadena, to the simple retro lines of the beach communities ... they all hint to the diversity of design in the City of Angels. I admire and respect the ornate and elaborate styles of traditional European design but when push comes to shove, simplicity and basic geometry always captures my heart. It wasn't until this trip that I realized how much my hometown had influenced my personal design tendencies. I guess sometimes you really don't know what you've got until it's gone...or at least leave it then go back :)

happy friday!

margate text and textures Margate was full of interesting textures and signs so I thought I'd do a little mash-up of a few select photos from last weekend. I really wish that "This 'n' That" was still open... sounds like my kind of place!

We're staying local this weekend since this time next week we'll be in Madrid,  España (aahhh!!!). It'll be my first visit but really, it's my first time in Europe period so EVERYTHING is new and extra exciting. Anyone been to Madrid and have any must-see spots or tips???

Here are this week's three rad links. Have a wonderful weekend!

• Make your own brass lamp that looks like a tree branch here via sfgirlbybay • Wish-they-weren't-sold-out necklaces by Sunken Treasures via Studio Sweet Studio • Life on large paint chips by artist Shawn Huck via The Jealous Curator