Want to add a little drama to your room?  Have you thought of decorating the 5th wall? (YES… I am talking about the ceiling!)

The very chichi Valley Ho Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ was all over this idea.  I was completely taken by the concrete, industrial style ceilings in our room… just stunning.  But then, taken back by this piece of original art hanging from the ceiling above our little sitting area.  What?  How? Who’d have thunk?  So perfect in this retro/modern structure.

SO… how to do this?

First, choose your art carefully.  Lightweight, with no glass or heavy frame.  Then attach with either industrial grade velcro or 3M VHB (very high bond) tape. Expensive, but perfect for attaching art in unusual or difficult situations.  Give it a try!

I’m back to “partly cloudy,” after almost a week in the warmth and sunshine of beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. This gorgeous spot always gets to me… especially this time of the year when the city fills up with baseball loving, sun seeking foodies.  It feels like the best place on earth.  Yeah, we did work a little, but we ate more, watched some fun games (go Cubs!), and even fit in a few workouts, notably a climb up Camelback Mountain.

Have you seen Camelback… rising from the desert floor, looking much like it’s namesake?

It’s not an easy hike, even though it starts off looking harmless…

But it quickly becomes a straight up scramble, so steep that several sections have been outfitted with railings to help you pull yourself up the rocks.

We finished in a little over 1 1/2 hours… the 360 degree view is spectacular… and were busy congratulating ourselves when 2 studly looking men ran past. One, aged 72, was heading up the mountain a 2nd time and the other, 75, was starting his 3rd trip.  Oh. Wow. OK… I’m a wimp.

Well, we still deserved a celebration of sorts… a big breakfast treat… so decided to check out the restaurant at the new Saguaro Hotel… another MUST for Scottsdale visitors.

Recently purchased by Joie de Vivre Hotels and completely remodeled, this BRIGHT spot opened in January of this year.  No muted terracottas or earth tones here! Most surfaces are painted the colors of Arizona wildflowers… hot pinks, oranges, yellows, reds, lime greens, purples… and lots more.  You can’t help but feel happy and ready for a good time when you walk in!

LOVE these lights!  Did you know you can make them?  Here are directions from ruffledblog.com.

Only the bar is somewhat muted, paneled in weathered barnwood, while still sporting a few brightly painted niches.

The orange tips on the barstools really got me. Such a simple feature makes a BIG impact.

Nice display idea.

Check out the purple carpet in the rooms and hallways.

HAPPY happy colors!  Hmm…. am now rethinking the desert house.  I’ve always loved warm earth tones, and lots of wood, rock, metal and other materials found in nature.  But maybe these bright hot colors would be even better for a weekend place….  You can’t help but smile and relax when surrounded by this.  What do you think??

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?!