inspired by...

Julian, California

It's the perfect time of year to visit the sweet little town filled that makes it's living from apples and antiques. Julian is famous for it's apple pies (and cider doughnuts and apple butter), which are amazing, but we were there to take in the view. The weather was cold, making it a perfect walk up and down the small streets of the town. It was exactly what we needed for a little rest and relaxation last weekend.

here is a view of downtown, seen from the cemetery. It really is that small and yet somehow the line was out the door at every pie shop on the block!

driving on the windy roads you get a vista of mountains, hills and the desert in the distance. I was so taken by the burnt trees from the somewhat recent San Diego fires, especially this one. Hollowed out by fire but still standing, I find this absolutely beautiful!

I picked these cool antique cups up at a shop on the main street. I'm told they are over 100 years old...guess I have some research to do.

We wandered into this store off the main drag, filled with wall to wall yarn of every color and combination imagineable.

And it wouldn't be a trip to Julian without stopping at the Pie Company. We brought home lots of goodies to share with our guests on Thanksgiving too.

To plan your own getaway to Julian, visit the Chamber of Commerce.

spotlight on: Austin, TX

It seems that, in spite of the economy, people are still doing a fair but of travel this year. I myself have been dreaming of a mini-break to Austin and it seems like I'm not alone - almost every magazine I look at these days has a travel guide for the live music capital of the world.

This image, from a recent issue of Southern Living, really fueled the fire. The first thing I thought was that it looks like the French Riviera, the place that my summer vacation dreams are made of.

The aptly named Oasis, is a restaurant overlooking Lake Travis. It features live music most evenings and a spectacular view of the sunset. Oh how I wish I was there right now...

To plan a best of Austin vacation, check out some of these travel guides
Southern Living, Weekend Itinerary
Design Sponge, Austin Design Guide
Austin Visitor's Bureau
Austin's 10 Best

Santa Barbara Love

My husband and I just got back from an awesome trip to Santa Barbara, California. We did it all; Wine country, horseback riding, a sunset cruise, the zoo, the missions and so much more. The scenery is amazing, driving through the windy roads of Los Olivos and Montecito and State Street has some seriously good eating!


Now that we're back, I will be posting my little heart out with inspiration from the trip. Stay tuned.