sit out

looking at some outdoor seating for our bedroom patio. i keep changing my mind. chair with ottoman? bench? match what we already have, or something new?

here are some thoughts...



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hanging out (part deux)

i have always been a big fan of laundry lines. we had one in our yard for a while (remember?), then moved it up to the cottage when we built the modern shed. we use it through the summer and i love the smell of clothes dried in the sun.

i spied this a few years back, but alas, could not find the compact version i wanted stateside. i did find it at the local home hardware on galiano over the summer and brought it home. (and now I see ours is available on amazon.)

it is amazing. i know it's a bit odd to rave on over a clothesline, but this one really is the bee's knees. it folds down flat against the house when not in use and is extremely well made (trust the aussies to design for hot dry temperatures!) and holds a large load without problem. its compact enough to fit comfortably in our side-yard, inspiring a whole side-yard redo that is now underway.

but i couldn't resist showing it off first.




along with the line, i found these wonderful collapsable clothes baskets. i wanted something not too deep, that could fold down and be stowed between the washer and the wall in our laundry room when not in use. and these are perfect for hauling loads outdoors and back again.



more on doing our laundry here
if we had more room this is a great (and beautiful) solution

12 hikes :: october :: malibu creek state park

before the month is over...

i needed some fresh air sunday (too much desk work this week had found its way into the weekend.) and the girls were sure to benefit from it too. so pleased to get the call from my dear friend to hit the road and take in one of his favorite local hikes... (i can't believe we hadn't been before.)

malibu creek state park is 7000 acres of spectacular scenery just a few miles from home. there's the creek, plenty of beautiful old oaks, a swimming hole, and lovely canyon vistas. well-known and visited for the prominent role it has played in many movies, the park also features a wonderful hands on nature center where you can explore the local flora and fauna up close. we made it close - but not quite - to the swimming hole. we will definitely be back.













Malibu Creek State Park
1925 Las Virgenes Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
Neighborhood: Calabasas

Proximity: 13 miles
Hike length: about 3 miles
Bonus features: nature center, M.A.S.H. set, swimming hole
Tips: While the weather was perfect, I am still glad we brought hats and plenty of water. No dogs allowed. Lots of horses, cyclists, and hikers. Nature Center open noon to 4:00 Saturdays and Sundays. Not a place to get away from people, per se, but a great spot to reconnect with nature.

* * * * *

K: The hike was amazing. 10/10. I loved climbing on the trees and visiting the Nature Center. It was amazing to see how many movies were made in the area.

E: Well, IDK. That's all then. 8/10.

::

they say rain is on the way. i am hopeful for a break from the heat.

backyard tour pt2

my home office



on days i work from home, once the kids head out to school, i head to our modern shed. (once they are home i tend to move back onto the dining room table.) the space is small. cool and comfortable. d has started a deck extension that will integrate it more into our space. this is the summer we dial things in!



CA modern came yesterday to take a few shots for an upcoming article - so the space was looking extra shiny.



thought i'd take a few snaps myself.



older pics here

homework this weekend

the poppies really swung into bloom. did some weeding.


attended tomatomania with j. purchased chika; red pear heirlooms; and yellow brandywine varieties. thought about clearing the garden beds - but so loving all the greens gone to seed. the ground is too wet still anyway. should be perfect to plant this weekend.


last of the new windows and doors arrived. did a happy dance! (this has been a labour of love. started by d with the kitchen redo in 2006. we are half-way through five years later with custom mulled aluminium windows on the front-side of the house. the original windows were wood framed bottoms with aluminium tops. cheap and easy off-the-shelf circa 1955. we said no-way to vinyl. so glad. these are beautiful. so excited to be finishing this project up.)