In the OC we usually think of installing hardscape, gravel, DG, bark or stepping stones to pave our garden walkways, patios and outdoor rooms. In the charming east coast village of Provincetown, Mass, they’ve found another material to line their paths… broken dishes!  I just LOVE these beautiful outdoor floors made of ceramic bits mixed with the sand, shells and seaglass that are found naturally in this location.

YES…  charming, colorful and so much fun.  Imagine what a stress release this would be, smashing up dishes, pots and tiles, all in the name of making a beautiful patio for oneself!  

Any takers?  Just be sure to wear shoes!

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?!

It was LOVE at first sight… this Anthropologie chair made my heart race.

Unfortunately we’ve not one single spot for such a chair in Casa Anderson… it is FULL and DONE. Sad. But, I had already fallen in love… with that rustic, pieced together style, the top stitching and frayed edges reminiscent of  a man’s suit mid-construction, and the neutral fabrics of varied tones and textures.  I just couldn’t get this chair out of my mind and decided there must be something to be be made in that same style… something that I would have room for in my home.

So, with an idea in mind, I rifled through my scraps, spare fabrics and trims, and set aside burlaps of different shades,weights and textures along with some scraps of lace picked up at a flea market. All were washed and dried and cut into usable bits which I then pieced together to make one large cut of fabric. Then, the stitching began.  It was very simple… I used a giant needle, cotton string and brown embroidery thread to form large, crude and rough hand stitches.  In the end, I had a tablecloth.. rustic, frayed, patched together, top stitched and to me… just beautiful.  The pictures don’t do it justice…

Finished just yesterday, so…. Happy Valentines Day to me!   Now, will I be brave enough to serve dinner on it??

Well, yes I was!  Last night before Mr. MM left on a trip we enjoyed an early V-Day dinner, red wine and all.  The new tablecloth survived!  Here you can see part of our nutritious meal… my Paleo/Primal almond flour biscuits stuffed with a TINY bit of fresh mozzarella and proscuitto.  They were YUMMMMMMM…

 Hope your day is filled with LOVE!!