A walk through Descanso Gardens

Bryan and I decided we were ready for some much needed descanco (the word for rest in Spanish), so we headed to Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada on Saturday. The weather was cloudy with bursts of sunlight breaking through at times... a perfect day to stroll through flower-filled fields and gardens. 

The Mt. Sac Horticulture Department was having a plant sale this day.

Our Failed attempt at capturing our smooch in the gardens!

The Japanese Tea House and Garden was the most relaxing (as it should be) although the Tea House was closed.

I loved the light fixtures in the Tea House, they remind me of rubber band balls. What do you think?

We took the short walk up the hill to the Boddy House, a 22-room two-story mansion built by the E. Manchseter Boddy, publisher of the Los Angeles Daily News. The house was beautiful (although we forgot to take a photo).

The gardens are packed with Camellias growing under the shade of the vast Oak Tree canopies and besides the giant Redwoods that populate the property.  He grew them to help sustain the flower industry's demands for the popular flower. I have never been much of a fan of the Camellia, but after Saturday's trip to the site of the largest public collection of the flower, I'm sold! 

We took a little break and headed to the Descanso Cafe, for a glass of wine and a quick snack. (Operated by the Patina Group... as in Patina in Los Angeles, Catal and the Uva Bar at Downtown Disney and Brasserie in New York). 

All in all, it was a day that put a smile on my face. Hopefully, it will inspire you to go out and smell the flowers!

* A HUGE thank you to Bryan for taking all of these amazing photos that will forever remind me of a beautiful day in nature. And, I LOVE YOU! :)

Liberty of London

I was at Target yesterday and stumbled upon the Liberty of London for Target collection. Each aisle I walked down brought a different LOL (Do they go by this acronym? Because they should!) display, each one a feast of rich, intense colors and patterns. Everything from Flip-Flops and wellies, to dresses, blouses and household stuff like pretty lucite boxes and candles. I picked up the Mini Journal Set and Large Padfolio with Clipboard below.

There are 9 LOL for Target billboards on display at Times Square in New York that will be recycled and turned into 1,600 limited-edition tote bags. Pre-orders are being accepted now here they're only $29.99 and will be shipped in September, a great way to get a one-of-a-kind piece for a great price!