There were two of us, with a few hours to spare, looking for good times in the OC.  A beautiful day, we itched for something different, unique and one-of-a-kind that would preferably be punctuated with yummy treats and drinks.

Our destination?

The OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa

Have you been there yet?  Ok, yes…it is a little tough to find… but what a gem!  It’s nestled behind the South Coast Collection of furniture stores (SOCO) which I’m sure you’ve seen from the 405, just north of Harbor. The OC Mart Mix is very similar to the LAB Anti-Mall and The Camp in that it is filled with wonderfully creative places to shop, eat and just hang, indoors and out.  You’ll find unique, one of a kind items… from clothing, old and new, to furniture, home accessories, organic body products, art made from salvaged items, jewelry, sports, cycle and surf shops, a spice store, even a sewing workshop.

The Mix houses a fantastic coffee shop, wine and olive bar, bakery, a new cheese shop and by now… probably more.  Each time I go, there are new places to explore… it’s growing quickly. Definitely worth the drive!

You’ll want to stay for a while….  The open air courtyard is gorgeously landscaped… a perfect spot to soak up that all important Vit. D and enjoy a treat.  Visit in the evening to bask under twinkly lights and in front of the firepit.

Go to the Mix on a Saturday and you’ll get to shop the farmer’s market and sample yummies from gourmet food trucks.  Line up!

The OC Mart Mix is a fun place to explore, meet up with friends and be inspired by creative people and things.  I’m ready for another fix….!  See you there next week?!

As if I needed another excuse to spend WAY too much time on the internet.  As if I’d asked for more luscious pictures to peruse… of places, products, people and other amazing things to drool, dream and dote over.  AND then… along came

DAMN you, Pinterest!  My daughters warned me.  My friends suggested I proceed with great care.  Even I knew I’d have to exhibit great self control.  MY Motorcycle Man rolled his eyes and groaned when I told him I wa now “addicted” and had hung out on Pinterest from 12:30-3:30 this am!  Question:  would I be awake during the middle of the night if I didn’t have Pinterest to play with?

But…. Pinterest is a great way to organize beautiful photos of my likes, loves, dreams, wishes, plans, ideas.  And… to look at those of other Pinterest fiends from around the world.  In picture form.

Here are some pictures from my files.

I like these bedrooms:

Such cool chandeliers:

Oh WoW… Looking for a branch now:

Inspiring garden scenes:

A must have…    gypsy trailer in my backyard…

Fun outfits are easy to find and “pin”:

My favorite Pins are the funny ones:

Have you looked at Pinterest?  Punch the “P” button on the right side of my website and you’ll get a little taste. Beware… you just might get hooked!!!

(PS….If you need an invite, let me know!)

Hoiyin (see her fun blog here) lives in a cute basement apartment in a backwoods Orange County neighborhood. (YES… they DO exist!)  The tiny studio came furnished, but she wanted to add a few of her own pieces to personalize it and to reflect her childhood in China. Here you can see how she has hung some of her favorite Chinese dresses around her studio, using the seldom worn items as decorative art. When a special event does come up, she removes one of the dresses from the wall and puts it on!

Storage was non-existent in when she moved in, so she brought in racks, hooks, baskets and bins to organize everything:  hats, jewelry, scarves, shoes, underwear, t-shirts… you name it.  Hoiyin forwarded these pictures to me last week after reading my blog on using items you’ve collected to decorate your home. She has taken that advice to heart, using beautiful clothing, jewelry and accessories from around the world to decorate her apartment. Hoiyin claims that dressing each day has become infinitely easier… with much of what she owns visible she can just look around the room and view her choices. Not only is everything easy to see, but she can enjoy the beauty of all of her things on a daily basis.

Most importantly, Hoiyin has taken a furnished studio and completely personalized it.  It’s small, and somewhat temporary, but now she walks in the door at the end of the day and her apartment feels warm, comfortable and just like home.