A girl just knows...

The Cinderella Forest Cafe - Tokyo, Japan

Wow. Am loving the chic but natural feel of this beautiful cafe designed by Jamo Associates.  Love the chandeliers, those mismatched chairs, the tablescape and most of all, all that greenery!  I'm dying over here.  I'm bookmarking these shots and putting them in my wedding inspiration file.  And this cafe's name surely fits, don't you think?  I can totally see Cinderella hanging out here with Prince Charming.

There's something about these Jamo images that are making me think of another magical venue.  This one is way closer to home, and although there aren't any beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling (I suppose it could be done though...), it's super chic and oh so green.  Succulent filled walls, fantastic vintage furnishings, a built-in movie screen, mismatched chairs and reclaimed wood tables...and that's BEFORE you start decorating!

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of working as the venue director for SmogShoppe, a unique event space located in Culver City (as seen in the photos above...to-die-for gorgeousness).  What is so incredibly amazing about this space, is that it works for a totally funky aesthetic just as well as it works for something a bit more traditional.  It is definitely NOT for the gal who imagines her wedding in a hotel ballroom, but truly it's all in the event styling and finishes; it's a beautiful blank canvas and you can make it what you want.  It's also one of the greenest event spaces in LA, which is pretty ironic considering it used to actually be a REAL smog shop that tests car emissions.

Biff and I got married at Marvimon, aka Smog's "older sister", and it was amazing. I like to think of Marv as a hidden treasure in downtown Los Angeles.  It was an actual car showroom from the 1920's that the owners, Sherry and Miguel, transformed.  Initially, the space was their home and you can really sense that when you walk through the front doors.  It always felt like home to me too.  I came across the venue years ago when I was scouting a location for a wedding I was planning.  As soon as I walked in, I knew it would be where I would say "I do."  Of course I hadn't even met Biff yet, but it was eminent.

A girl just knows.

Wedding details and photos of Marv coming soon!
SS images found here, here, here & here.

Here's to fresh starts!

Welcome to the party, 2012. 


I am so filled with hope as this new year begins. Goodbye, Seattle. Hello, Los Angeles!


2011, you gave me some beautiful memories but I'm rather certain you also gave me a few grey hairs.  And I have to say I'm not terribly sad to see you go.

Some of the highlights...

I turned 40. I'm still in denial of this but am almost certain I am getting better with age.
I married the love of my life. Miracles really do happen!!
I became a stepmother. Equal parts amazing and what the hell am I doing?
I was laid off from my job. The timing couldn't have been worse but this was definitely for the best!
I gained 10 pounds.  What the what?!?!

And "the most insane thing" that happened?  As newlyweds, we picked up and moved to Seattle to be closer to the kiddos.  Unable to find work and realizing it just wasn't the right fit, 7 months later we picked up and moved back to LA. Pure madness but thank goodness!! 
  
As 2012 begins I'm tossing around several goals and/or resolutions. Maybe if I put them in writing I'll actually DO them?  Maybe.

1.  Exercise more. It seems I became a big blob in Seattle; must lose extra layer of warmth currently covering my entire body.
2.  Eat healthier. Please see #1. Must focus on #'s 1 & 2 straight away!!
3.  Travel!!  Maybe Spain for a belated honeymoon???
4.  Send more handwritten notes. Just because it feels extra special.
5.  Time for some self discovery. What's next for cham+thom???
6.  Create a Mighty Life List and start crossing things off this list.  Immediately.
7.  On this here blog, write 5 posts a week.  Must get brain working... Must catalog projects and tidbits of inspiration. Must WRITE!
8.  Create ART!!! Am feeling the urge to PAINT! But I don't know how. Step 1: buy canvas. Step 2: buy paint!
9.  Volunteer. Anywhere. Everywhere.
10.Read more books.  Anything. Everything.


*Update 8/29/12 I have actually accomplished a few of my goals!  Joined the gym and have been running the Reservoir; I'm exercising at least 5 days a week and am eating much better!  I'm happy to report that the extra layer of warmth covering my entire body is much thinner now and is on its' way out for good!  AND most excitedly, we have booked our trip to Spain!  

Unfortunately I've failed miserably on some of my other goals listed above. The year's not over yet though and I have no intention of giving up.  2012, I have 4 months left to make these things happen and I will!

Let's try this again...