Rustic charm vs Shabby chic

Apr 12, 2014

I keep starting to write posts and I haven’t published any. It’s not like I haven’t been busy lately, I just haven’t been in to mood to take as many photos because I need to take our Nikon SLR camera in for service. Using my iphone to take photos has left me feeling uninspired. I’m not sure if I should bite the bullet and buy a new camera or get mine fixed and buy this external flash. Well, I’m going to need a solution soon because we are taking a trip to Europe this summer.

We found this amazing secret garden in Pasadena called Arlington Garden

Honestly, I have been knee deep in planning this vacation. The last time I planned a big trip was over ten years ago so I’m rusty. There was no Pinterest, Instagram or blogs to reference back then which make it very hard to narrow down my options. I have been apartment hunting for a place in Paris for weeks now. I
am not exaggerating when I say I have looked at every single apartment
rental in le Marais. I want to find a place with Air bnb since it has the most legit site. The problem is my favorite apartments are not available for the dates I need. This was my original winner but of course, it’s booked. I have never been so picky in my life.

My top ten criteria is:

1. Location (Le Marais)

2. Haussmann building

3. Plenty of light and quiet (no lower floor units)

4. One bedroom/one bathroom

5. Clean furniture that doesn’t feel like dated *Parisians really like plaid bedding and red couches*

6. Washer/Dryer

7. City views

8. Chevron hardwood floors

9. Close to a metro station

10. All this within our budget!

* Dishwasher (a bonus)

I have narrowed it down to these top two contenders.

Rustic & Charming in the 3º arrondissement

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World’s narrowest kitchen

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Wheee, these stairs!

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Hooving up and down six flights of these stairs everyday will be the death of me

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Let’s break it down. This apartment is within our budget, perfect location in
the heart of le Marais, has authentic Parisian charm *look at that beautiful building and courtyard* it has all the amenities we need. It doesn’t have my chevron hardwood floors but I do like the stone pavers. I google-mapped the street to find it is centrally located and even has cute graffiti.

The downside is, it’s a six story walk up with no elevator. That will get
old really fast but not a deal-breaker. The kitchen…is tiny! I don’t
think I can even open the oven door but who knows how much we will be
baking in the apartment. I am not a fan of the second floor bedroom. We
are very tall people and it appears there will be a whole lot of leaning
and possible head bumps in that slanted loft ceiling. I do like that
the bathroom is on the second floor since I have the bladder of a ninety
year old at night. I like the rustic feel but it may be more dated than I’m imagining it to be. I don’t know how comfortable we would be lounging.

Our other option is…

Shabby chic & cute in the 4º arrondissement

The kitchen is small but efficient

This
apartment is super cute. I like the quirky toys and the floors. It feels French shabby chic. My favorite is the dollhouse in the bedroom, I know Liv will love playing with that guy. The views are rad and there is an elevator in the building. I like the street it’s located on much better than the other place. The apartment also comes with a cat!

This apartment does have it’s downside, there is no fixed shower head in the bathroom, which Antz isn’t so happy about. It’s also a smoking apartment so I worry it will smell like smoke which grosses me out. Also as of three days ago, the host has yet to respond to my email inquiring about renting the place so I’m not sure if it’s available for the dates I want.

Liv is mega excited to eat French bread and ride the carousel

I cannot seem to make up my mind. The apartments are very close in location, size and price. I know I am being picky *Antz keeps reminding me, we aren’t going to be in the
apartment that often* but I want to feel at home. I could just get a hotel room for the trip but I want total immersion. We are planning to go to London and Amsterdam too so I’ll post about that soon.

Bonsoir!!

Today is Violently Happy’s 5 year anniversary

Nov 19, 2013

I feel like I’m in a funk. I have so much on my mind and yet nothing to write about. My blog is where I can share my life moments and go on about my crazy dreams. I haven’t been able to blog for the last two months *which feels like an eternity* because I feel stuck. I was riding high after our kitchen remodel and we had a fun summer but lately, I’m just going through the motions. I do not thrive in a routine. I am craving spontaneity. Aimee and I were talking about taking a road trip together *just us girls for a few days* up north to Portland, Oregon. I’ve been before for a week at basketball camp when I was fourteen. All I remember was a ga-zillion trees.

I fell in love with The Ace Portland

We are super stoked to see the beach where they filmed Goonies.

The mega nerd in us is geeking out over the idea of checking out the Timberline Lodge *does it look familiar?* We’ll see if the roads are open and safe first.

However, she’s moving into a new place soon *hopefully closer to me!* so our trip has been postponed until March. I think another reason I’ve been so bummers is I’m stressed out about the new French school enrollment. It’s such a huge uncertainty we’ll get in and I am overwhelmed by the tuition and fees. Liv’s education is worth every penny don’t get me wrong but we could use that cash for a much needed vacation-that-will-not-be-named or much needed house repairs.

Ten years ago, I was looking at Björk’s website when I saw she would going on tour in Europe. Then out of the ordinary I told Antz and Aimee we were going to London and Paris to see her. They didn’t take much convincing and by June we were boarding a plane with hardly any money and no real itinerary. It turned out to be one of the most fun times of my life. Feels like a lifetime ago.

Clubbing in Soho London

If you squint you can see a blue speck that is Björk

The metro/tube was so fun but also super stinky!

The lovely room we caught scabies in

The bells of Notre Dame

On top of the Eiffel Tower

I can’t remember where we were going here but we couldn’t understand a word the cabbie guy said

Harry Potter was a phenomenon in London

This Beefeater dude loved us!

The photos from the six days trip were taken with my $28 NON-digital camera from Target. So many shots were out of focus or didn’t develop. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself with endless digital photography technology now.

Am I having a mid-life crises? My brain keeps dredging up the past and nagging me of how lame and boring I’ve become. I am yearning for those pre-mortgage/bills weight of responsibility or keeping fresh milk in the house of my 20s. Someone recently said to Antz and I at a party “Do you live to work or work to live?” Is either way quality of life? I give my own self the yawns! I suppose I’m going through some pre-winter blues so I won’t be blogging just for the sake of blogging. I hate coming off as a Debby downer but let’s keep it real, no one’s life is perfect. I’ll just hang on until I get that next stamp on my completely empty passport book.

Smell ya later!

Parisian Apartments

Mar 5, 2013

As always, I am dreaming of Paris. We are planning our dates for our trip next year, the end of May and most of June. I have been working on our itinerary for awhile now and I’m trying to take advantage of every day we are in Europe. Since we are flying into London, we will spend a few days there, then take the train to Paris. We will be taking Liv to Disneyland Paris for her 4th birthday and squeezing in a day trip to Versailles and Amsterdam. I am having the hardest time finding the perfect Parisian apartment to rent. Well actually, I found my dream apartment but it’s not available for the time we’ll need it.

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It has a weird layout

I fell in love with this lovely place but it’s only available for a monthly rental and we only need it for 2 weeks. We are going to Italy for a weekend and visiting my dear friend Aura in Finland for 3 days so the apartment would be empty for several days. Unfortunately, it’s over my budget.

Here is my alternative:


This is the quintessential Parisian apartment

I know you are thinking, that is a gorgeous apartment, what’s the problem? Well, this apartment costs the same to rent for one week what other apartments cost for 2 weeks. It’s also in a building with a Chinese restaurant located on the first floor. Go ahead and call me picky but I can’t imagine spending muggy June in an rental that smells like chow mein all day. Antz would probably enjoy the scent of food all day.
My dream apartment may still an option if we can get an invite to the Diner en Blanc. We would extend our stay for an extra week since the diner is usually held on the third Thursday in June.

I would love to attend during our trip, it looks so fun!

I may have found a loophole to get invited. By attending the Diner en Blanc in Los Angeles this year, we become members, which makes us eligible to attend a diner anywhere in the world. I registered for LA’s diner but I’m on the 3rd waiting list, so we’ll see in a few months if I get an invite *they only send them out 48 hours before the event*

I’m looking on airbnb but so far no luck. I have a long list of criteria for my Parisian apartment:

Higher floor with a view of the city
Elevator
Flooded with sunlight
7th Arrondissement
Not too noisy an area but plenty of shops in walking distance
Haussmanian building
Parquet or at least hardwood floors
Floor to ceiling french windows
Preferably a balcony or at least a window I can sit by and people watch
Modern kitchen with a dishwasher
Washer/dryer
Shower *you would be surprised how many apartments don’t have them*
Pretty furniture
Queen size bed
2000 or less euros a week

I know, I’m a nightmare, I will be searching forever.

Au Revoir!

Björk Gudmundsdóttir

Feb 4, 2013

What the hell are you doing to me??!!

Pitchfork Music Festival

Like I can afford to fly *or even drive* my ass to Chicago in July to hear you sing song’s with your voice of an Angel.

Seriously, listening to this woman sing live is like the satisfaction from eating the best meal you have ever had while having a massage in your ears at the same time. Grrr! I am trying to remodel our kitchen, save like a maniac AND we gotta pay for Liv to get her learn on at preschool. Let’s not forget I’m hoping to go to Paris next year as well! Do not even try to interrupt my focus you temptress. I will not buy tickets…I will NOT BUY TICKETS!! *also keep in mind, I haven’t seen Björk live since 2008!! Oh shit…Belle & fucking Sebastian! Please somebody lock my wallet in a vault. Shit, who am I kidding? I have all my credit cards memorized. #Confessionsofamajorshopaholic

I love me some B&S

On top of all this mess, Kate Spade has the nerve to have an awesome secret suprise sale with an ADDITIONAL 20% off. I just can’t!! What is this, the Last Temptation of Liz?

surprise sale. save up to 75% off a curated selection of suprise sale merchandise. plus, an additional 20% off and free shipping.

Well, if I can’t shop, maybe you lovelies can pick up the nylon stripe leslie bag that I want super bad.

My guide to Love & Marriage

Jul 18, 2012

One Month!

August 18, 2002

That’s right, exactly one month until our 10 year wedding anniversary. I am at a complete loss of plans to celebrate such a milestone. I mean, we’ve been together for 16 years total and we’ve been in this house for 6 years, parents for 2 years…okay enough math. It’s been a fabulous time. We have traveled, been to amazing concerts, been on a game show together, we pretty much have grown up together.

I had one bite of our wedding cake, too excited to eat at the reception and the slices the staff packed for us for the next day were devoured by ants! Note to anyone getting married…EAT AT YOUR WEDDING! You pay a fortune for that meal, eat it and savor every bite.

Ten years of marriage isn’t a piece of cake although most days feels cakier than others. We still have dumb spats, I huff and puff and fold my arms when I’m having a brat-attack and he rolls his eyes at my wild schemes, but I still get butterflies in my stomach when that boy kisses me. You know how I knew I would marry Anthony? On our first date, we both brought friends as backup *cause that’s how I rolled when I was 19* our first kiss was pretty awkward since we were leaving a packed movie theater at Universal Citywalk and our friends were standing right there. Antz kissed me so sweetly and gently like no one else was there. It was so lovely, I literally swooned. My gut was screaming at me, this guy is THE ONE! We’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since. So how do you not get bored or drive each other crazy?…hmmm, we do! All the time, but we have 3 things going in our favor that make it work.

1. We talk about our feelings. This is crucial to making any relationship work. I am a huge talker *aka Major Chatterbox* Antz, not so much, but being able to discuss our feelings and leave out the expectations takes a lot of guess work out of our marriage. I used to think to myself, I wish he would just….but then I realized, he’s not a psychic. Why wouldn’t I just tell him what I wanted rather than just expect him to magically know what I want. I was pretty much sabotaging our relationship because I didn’t communicate. Now we talk it out, our feelings, our dreams, our annoyances, nothing is off-limits. I have a clear understanding of his wishes and I know when I need to improve my ‘tude. I think our communication brings us closer, we don’t keep secrets and we’re honest with one another. Pretty simple, right. Well here’s the tricky part, a huge component to the communication thing involves listening. Oh yeah, it’s easy to blah, blah, blah… but to really listen to your partner and let them know you hear them and understand is the key.

2. Don’t be too cool to be a dork. Antz and I are super immature *most of the time*. We have a pact to always be silly, approach life with a sense of humor and never act our age. We laugh so hard we cry. We make fun of each other in a playful way. We say to each other, it must be such a bummer to have to be an adult all the time. We don’t take each other too serious and we have each other’s back. We have no problem geeking out at Disneyland or busting out the robot on the dancefloor. In the the immortal words of the Joker “Why so serious?”

3. We are compatible. I know Paula Abdul & MC Skat Kat say opposites attract but oil and water will never mix. Try to find someone you would be very good friends with outside of your relationship. Why make things difficult by trying to convert someone into the person you want them to be? I love Antz because he’s true to himself. He’s a talented, crazy awesome artist. I grew up with my artist Mommy *she’s a crazy talented musician* so I’m used to being around creative people. He’s not a huge sports fan so I don’t have to bitch and moan about how lame sports are. He’s totally down with my Björk obsession and goes along with all my absurd ideas. He both hate onions and douchebags and share a love of people-watching and Jeopardy. I never understand why people get married quickly and then discover, “WAIT! We have absolutely nothing in common!” Duh! There’s a good reason we dated for 6 years before getting engaged. We needed to get to know each other, figure out our idiosyncrasies. I know some folks have lasting, solid marriages after months of dating *looking at you Khloe Kardashian* but most folks aren’t so lucky . Find out if you love the person you want to spend you old folks days with, even with their flaws *Antz loves air-conditioning and I’m always freezing to death* It does take compromise but the entire relationship shouldn’t be about compromising who you are. If you can’t be around your guy without makeup on and he’s afraid to fart around you…uh, that’s lame.

Being married to Antz has been extraordinary. We have fun everyday. We trust each other 100% and to me, that is love. I gave him my heart on August 18th and he has protected it for 10 years. As much as I complain about not going to Hawaii for our anniversary, we could go to Taco Bell and still have an incredible time. So don’t be surprised if we toast our big day in the drive-thru, Hawaii isn’t going anywhere and Liv’s tuition is more important to us.

A million years ago in 1997

One Month to go!

May 2, 2012

How could it be that in 31 days Liv will be 2 years old? Now that it’s getting down to the wire, I am thinking maybe the tram isn’t the best option for a 2 year old. I still want to go to Palm Springs but I only have one thing I want to do in 100 degree heat…swim! I found this incredible hotel over at Cakies so of course now I want to book it.


The Saguaro Hotel

It’s less expensive than the Ace but has just as much character. The pool looks awesome and we can have a pool party for Liv. I am dying to make a rainbow cake for her birthday but we will go to dinner out there.

so pretty!

It helps The Saguaro is having a 25% off sale for the next 2 days too. I also have to book our cabin for Trevor and Jessica’s wedding in December. All this hotel booking but no Hawaii *sads*

Running on empty

Apr 21, 2012

I feel like my old body is out of gas. Swimming laps last weekend felt awful great at the time but I am having old lady issues with my arms and legs. Everyday this week I’ve been out of the house from morning till night, although having fun, keeping my Liv busy. If I keep up this pace, I may go Hollywood and check into rehab for “exhaustion“. Olivia has been impressing me with how well-behaved she has been lately. She still has her meltdowns here and there but she is like a new, mature lady sitting quietly and sharing during dance class. She is talking more often, “yeah, okay!” is her signature phrase. I’m so proud of my little almost 2 year old going on 15. I feel like I’m doing a pretty decent job as a parent.

Yesterday when Antz got home from work we decided to stop by the newsstand to pick up my issue of the special edition Domino Quick Fixes. I was positive Larchmont Village would have it…wrong! He said he sold out the first day it came out. Then we drove towards Hollywood, another stand completely sold out. He said I was the 7th person that day asking about it and he was calling the publisher to get more issues. I tried one last newsstand in Santa Monica before I considered giving up and just ordering it online. Then since we were so close we walked over to Barnes & Noble totally expecting them to be sold out.

That guy behind me is throwin’ some haterade on my photo

Luckily they had about 5 issues left and can you believe this *$10.99* magazine actually went under? They better come back before there’s an occupy Domino or whatever the yuppies do when they get pissed. We paid a visit to Aimee, and while pigging out on Sprinkles cupcakes and wine, we discussed our road trip to Austin. Do you wanna know those two traitors are trying to talk me into going to Las Vegas instead? Mega lame! I have been to Vegas a billion times. It’s so not bebe-friendly, it reeks of cigarette and cigar smoke and the people are obnoxious *needless to say, the high occurrence of fanny packs not worn on the fanny or the guys who slap the escort flyers on the strip make me want to punch them* I am not a buffet type of girl, the one time Antz dragged me to a buffet at the Luxor *this was years ago when the Luxor was brand new* I threw a tantrum, cried and didn’t eat a thing even though we spent $30 person. I just don’t enjoy the food in Vegas, I think because they make such large quantities, I have this stigma about the freshness. Aimee and Antz want to gamble but I am all about sightseeing, taking quirky photos and finding a cute craft store to amble in for hours. Austin is so laid back and mellow. I am not going to let them talk me out of Awe-stin.

If Austin is as rad as my pinterest finding are, I just may have to move there


even the graffiti is awesome in Austin


YARNBOMB!!

SXSW via tilt-shift photography

It’s totally nerdy but I really want to see the bat colony

Aimee is pretty sure she’ll be able to get the time off in September so once again, I am crossing my fingers for a miracle to afford this trip. I mean, Liv starts school September 3rd and once we start paying tuition, we will be poor for the next 16 years.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Any trips you looking forward to?

It’s official, Liv needs a slide for the backyard, we’re keeping an eye out on Craigslist but so far, nuthin!

So many trips, so little cash

Apr 19, 2012

I can’t believe it’s already Thursday! This ~~week~~ year is flying by for us and we have so many events coming up. Our niece & nephew are having a baby girl *girls rule!* in June and her baby shower is in May. Then before you know it June will be here, Liv & Antz birthday’s and Papa’s day too! We are taking a day trip to Palm Springs for Liv’s 2nd birthday and I would love to rent Vespas but I don’t think Liv can ride with us.

I am dreaming of renting a lovely pink vintage Vespa with matching helmet and zooming down Palm Canyon Drive

So I am constantly finding awesome delights over at DesignLoveFest and now I am obsessed with these Son of Sharkpig videos. Here’s one of lovely Bri’s amazing loft.

How amazing would it be to have a vignette made of Liv’s 2nd birthday all over Palm Springs? I’m sure he charges like $5k per hour but I emailed him to inquire about his rates, so we’ll see. I am pretty much dying to take a vacation. Anywhere sounds fun, I really, really want to take a road trip to Austin for a few days to celebrate Aimee & mine’s 14 year bff-anniversary. It’s a 20 hour drive and this hotel looks awesome.

Hotel San Jose

It’s a small boutique hotel on popular Congress Street. Since I miss Coachella and SXSW every year, I’ve been lusting after a visit to Austin. Antz has been before and he said he had a gnarly time *he went to a movie theater that served BBQ and beer!!*. I found out about this hotel from this fun post at Bleubird Vintage

These are the hotel robes!!

Pretty rad, right? I don’t have any idea how to afford the trip or how to get Aimee to get time off ~~prison~~ work *she works 6 days a week* to go. It would be fantastic if we could go in September when the weather cools down. On top of all these upcoming events, my friend Jessica & Trevor’s wedding is in December and in order to attend, you must stay a minimum of 2 nights at a campsite in Santa Barbara. It’s a beautiful venue but I checked the prices and it’s going to be a pretty penny *$289 per night*

I’ve always wanted to sleep in a yurt but with no heat in December, I think we’ll stick with a cabin with a fireplace.

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Cedar Cabin

I am trying to pay off our credit card debt, refinance our mortgage, save every penny for Liv’s school, new house, and home improvements *we desperately need our plumbing upgraded and a kitchen makeover* and yet I am torturing myself with my wild desire to travel. Did I mention Antz needs a new computer and Wacom tablet? Okay, I’m going now, my brain hurts.

School House Rocks!

Apr 18, 2012

This afternoon I went back to school *which has been over 15 years, cause I’m a fossil* by taking Nicole Balch’s Growing a Readership alt Summit online class. I had to drop Liv off at Antz job so I could have the hour undisturbed and I made it home with literally a minute to spare. I had no idea how it would work but it turned out to be a chatroom *remember those from the 90s?* and we could see Nicole and she could see our comments. Let me nerd out for a moment please, I was kinda, oddly starstruck. Nicole is as down to Earth as they come but she is a blog God to me. Her style *Making it Lovely* is so polished, her content leaves me so inspired and her technique is user friendly and simple. I feel like my blog is like peeking in an insane asylum and you see me in a padded room wearing a straightjacket. I made a list of things I need to get on, ASAP. Firstly, why aren’t I using my Instagram more often? As you can see, I am much better off taking photos with that than my horrible Nikon.

using Instagram

using the Nikon

Second, it’s long overdue to redesign my blog and start creating better content and better photos. You lovelies deserve the BEST!! I’m so pumped up about designing the home page, I need brighter colors and a cheery overall impression. This gray is feeling gloomy and I don’t want to come off as emo *do the kids still say that?* Now I’ll be pinteresting all night. Lastly, I HAVE to attend alt Summit!! The ladies I met at the class were super sweet and funny and I would love to extend my online networking. Later Lovelies!

A few shots of Nicole during the class

What a week!

Apr 13, 2012

Our week started off pretty rad. We went to a fun party on Monday night, Milt was born, then Tuesday we went to Terry & Morgan’s house to release Milton & Piper *video coming soon* and we had dinner at Casa Bianca. Then Wednesday, Antz got sick and worked from home. Nothing spectacular happened but it was a weird day. Yesterday wasn’t so awesome. I have been excited to go to the Oh Joy Kate Spade event at the Americana all week. Antz tells me we are going out to dinner with Les & Stephen and another couple from his job. Okay, that’s disappointing but it will be fun. So we take Liv to her Grandma’s house since it’s a no kids dinner and go to the restaurant *which coincidentally is the same place we went to with Terry, Morgan & Kieran a few weeks ago* and guess what? We are the only ones there. Strange, Antz pulls out his phone to text Les and discovers a text from her saying dinner cancelled, from 3pm! Antz was kinda pissed that he missed that text and I cancelled my plans for the dinner but like I said, we had a rough day let’s have dinner and pick up Liv. I’ve been feeling cranky about not having any plans to go out of town *obviously, Hawaii* for our anniversary and Antz has been sick and pretty exhausted lately. On top of that, we have a lovely 22 month old who is pretty much pushing her boundaries with us every moment she can. We are both pretty concerned about her behavior. We question if she is involved in enough activities, or possibly too much? While it’s normal for 2 year old’s to act-out, we think she is taking it too far. This is the part of being a parent that I never thought would happen. How do you discipline a baby? Are we ignoring her bad behavior too often. Have I damaged her by laughing at her antics *sorry, I can’t help but giggle when she is being naughty* It feels like she is telling us “NO!” all the time *it breaks my heart when I ask her for a kiss and she says a defiant no* and throwing tantrums *particularly when we are out in public* throwing her toys, and hardly eating. We try to make meals that are interesting, healthy and tasty but lately Liv has put herself on a all strawberry diet. I can’t get her interested in eating an entire meal. Could it be her appetite has changed now that I’ve stopped breastfeeding? As a parent, I was feeling pretty confident, and we had a great routine. Now I am feeling like I’ve lost the balance between “fun mommy” and “strict mommy“. I find myself telling her stop, no and pleading with her in frustration. I don’t want to be a parent with a passive-aggressive attitude. It sucks the most that she acts out more with me than Antz but we read that toddlers actout with the parent they spend more time with. Nothing grosses me out more than when Olivia is acting out or being extremely shy, like to the point where she is clinging to Anthony and will not look at anyone. She just started that with people she doesn’t see that often but I know Liv isn’t shy. She has a huge personality. She loves to talk, sing and dance. I want her to feel comfortable with everyone we know. This morning we are starting dance class again. I hope she behaves. She has an issue with sharing *this is one of the hardest struggle I have with her* I think she may understand now that she has to share the instruments with the other kids but when she sees the one conga drum, she wants it. I’m learning how to handle these situations, I just want Liv to be a happy, sweet and kind kid.