Architecture: Bones of Beauty

I love love love the Getty Villa in Malibu.  If not for a specific exhibit, I adore spending a sunny Saturday afternoon wandering through the grounds and gardens of this beautiful Southern California landmark.  The Villa is modeled after a first century Roman country estate, the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy.  The building was constructed in the 1970s by architectural firm, Langdon and Wilson, who's work is still seen and built all over the world.
I was just up there and took some fun shots that I hope will inspire others to hop over for the afternoon and explore for yourself.  It takes a little pre-planning as you have to request free tickets ahead of time.  Best summer day?  Getty villa for art consumption, lazy lunch at the dive-y Reel Inn in Malibu, and a mellow afternoon at any Malibu beachfront sand spot you can find parking for…

look up…it's worth it

 the attention to detail is spectacular…

meander through the courtyards; the gardens are worth a leisurely stroll..

 in and out…a modern entrance to a beautiful structure referencing history and romance...

Book your visit here…

Sky High: Los Angeles

When I was sorting photos that I had taken last week, I was honestly trying to figure out when I had been on a plane...(I know that sounds ridiculous, but I travel so much for work that I actually have forgotten what city I'm in some mornings)...until I realized I took this at the Ritz in downtown!  While on an interiors shoot I couldn't help but notice the gorgeous view.  The sunset was ridiculous and you can see all the buildings lining Wilshire Blvd all the way to the beach.  While Los Angeles is definitely a sprawling monster, it was nice to see it from this vantage point and appreciate this crazy town.

Check out LA Live and the Ritz downtown - it's an amazing escape from reality!

Two Dinners and a Breakfast

While in NY a few weeks ago, I visited some good friends at their home in Jersey and ended up collapsing at their awesome house for a weekend of delicious cooking and major relaxation.  Here are some highlights….

dinner on Friday…candle lit yard & fantastic sword fish grilled on wine soaked cedar planks.  amazing.

 dinner number two…fantastic yogurt sauce & lamb chops on the grill

 and finally, the best pancakes ever

 we had more than a little fun...