"SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER" was Rachiel's anthem for the Summer! She spent it doing what she does best - attending & hosting parties, BBQ's, card nights, and attending loved ones birthdays & weddings! She also was the main lady in charge at the studio overseeing our studio improvements and got as much beach time in as possible.

My summer started off with a bang! Had the opportunity to do some work that lead me down the California Coast spending time in San Francisco, Napa, Carmel, and Santa Barbara. Enough stories packed in 10 days to fill a book. Highlights in San Francisco were definitely Nob Hill Spa at the newly renovated The Scarlet Hotel and taking in the beautiful Dahlia Garden at Conservatory of Flowers. There was the private food tour with Edible Excursions and got to meet Traci Des Jardins. She's rather amazing. Also left completely inspired by the pop up gallery and shipping container movement in Hayes Valley. I'm about that.

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My time in wine country was equal parts on the move and taking in incredible cuisine. Lead bike tour through dust roads framed by wild berries, a tour of Bohemian Creamery, farm to table lunch at set for royalty at Dragonfly Florals, a visit to SHED in Healdsburg (MAJOR SHOP ENVY!), and a 3.5 hour meal of a lifetime at French Laundry. Insanity.

Honestly, I'd take one of everything. Make that two!

Best. Thing. I've. Ever. Eaten. - Oysters & Pearls

Carmel took the cake for me with Carmel Valley Ranch - such a magical place. Horseback riding in the Carmel Valley at sunset - soothe your soul good! Also think I found my calling in beekeeping!

In August, we traveled to New York before a family vacation in Maine. I haven't been to New York in over a decade and has the best time exploring Brooklyn. We stayed at the oh so cool Sixty LES Hotel on the Lower East Side and they must have know I was coming because they had their pop up tiki bar for the summer. Couldn't have been happier! We were introduced to Devocion Café and I almost fell over with excitement. Such a cool vibe. Got to meet some incredible local vendors at Artists & Flea, eat yummy food at Smorgasburg, get something special at Brooklyn Flea, and just play tourist.

Every corner of Devocion was complete gold.

Then it was off to Maine - hands down my favorite place visited this summer. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but I was floored by how much I enjoyed the chance in pace, surrounding, and just surrendering to vacation mode. Waking up to the sound of the ceiling fan & the morning stir in the house, and a full day of whatever seemed fun. One by one we would wake up, reaching for coffee, and take in the sounds of the loons on the lake. My favorite morning was spent in conversation over painting and learning zentangle. Then it's off to explore more of the lake that brought us all here. The time out on the water...where I felt foreign and yet at home. We spent too much money & time gathering the perfect ingredients to make an insane lobster mac - a mission we accomplished and dominated at. I truly felt like I spent the week taking in the sun, the laughter, and the stillness of summer. That blue blue water surrounded by these green green trees. What a magical place.

This summer I decided to stay local and enjoy all that Newport Beach had to offer. Sunset picnic at Inspiration Point, Corona Del Mar - This is where you will find me on most Sunday nights. Gathered with some of my favorite friends enjoying a glass of wine as the sunsets is my idea of a perfect evening.

From Memorial to Labor Day weekend it is a challenge to get a fire pit as crowds are at their peak. Bonfires on a Monday or Tuesday is a bit easier but you still need to get there a bit early to stake your claim. s'mores by a campfire is always a good time.