everywhere!

Do you know someone who uses that “girly” voice in the workplace?

When your treat yourself kindly, you treat others kindly! When you feel good about yourself, you feel good about others.  

There are many places on the planet that are inspirational and Malibu, California, is one of them. We love Malibu because the feeling of it lingers in our minds and hearts long after we leave.

It’s the perfect contrast to a busy life in the Las Vegas desert.

Malibu is a magical example of the style we love to replicate. It’s easy, bright, intensely comfortable, and chic! The great thing about Malibu inspiration is that comfort is the primary principle. This is easily accomplished through timeless pieces that are rich in nature and beautiful in design.  If you don’t have time to travel, let us inspire you with what we’ve seen and learned.

Can romance affect your bottom line? According to internationally acclaimed life-management expert Kimberly Friedmutter, when it comes to wooing the right lady, stretching your resources to the limit could be wise.

If you love our kitchen chandeliers, so did I when we first saw them hanging in a funky store in South Beach.  It’s not Brad’s style to buy ‘off the rack’- my super talented husband has a lot of lighting resources as an architect.

When I saw the chandelier, my heart jumped like a little girl being handed her first lollipop!  I might have squealed when I saw it.  I said something like, “we have to get it!”  Brad immediately said, “we are NOT getting a chandelier from this place.”  To which I answered, “you’re right, we’re getting two!”-lol.

Soon we were leaving South Beach with the store’s promise of two super fantastic chandeliers being delivered to Shangri-Las Vegas in two weeks.  By the way, everything in life takes two weeks, even if it doesn’t!  As you may sense, our two-weeks promise came and went.  Then, some time later (sometime that next year) NO I’M NOT KIDDING, we had two gorgeous chandeliers hanging in our kitchen.

After a myriad of issues . . .one light coming, one light not coming; pieces missing, store going out of business, hard to find vendor, etc . . . we finally had our beautiful chandeliers.  Granted, I ate some crow pie but Brad humored in sharing a piece with me.  As it turns out Brad knew better than the little girl with the lollipop… or did he?

We love these chandeliers so much that I would happily eat some crow for the sweetness I enjoy everyday in this kitchen!  We were both right and we are both happy with them.

The store Regis at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas keeps in touch with Robert the lighting guy if you want one for yourself .

Luxury Magazine called it a “Wedding Fantasy”.

As Luxury Magazine writes, “When the groom is a brilliant international architect, the bride is a clinical hypnotist and mental health consultant to celebrities worldwide, and they’re married at their spectacular hilltop manse, Shangri-Las-Vegas in Henderson, you expect a wedding fantasy.  What you don’t expect are garlic and herbs in the bride’s bouquet, a scene-stealing Pomeranian named Pearl as ring bearer, and the couple’s first dance to be the “Hokey Pokey.”

The mesmerizing ceremony had the bride walking down the isle to a dramatic version of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” preceded by the “cirque” version acolytes and  followed by angelic and devilish train bearers.  The ceremony was concluded when an Elvis impersonator pronounced the couple man and wife.   

The couple’s Shangri-Las Vegas mansion offered breathtaking views of the city  including the Las Vegas Strip, of which Brad Friedmutter is responsible for much of the skyline.

As for having their wedding at Shangri-Las-Vegas, Brad responded, “What better place?  It’s beautiful, very special, very meaningful, and unique to us. It represents our efforts, our heart and soul, and is our sanctuary.”
“It’s the footprint of our dreams and lives,” Kimberly elaborated. “Family and friends, people important to us were present to send us off with their blessings. Their loving influence, prayers, laughter, our vows, everything was there.” 

-Luxury Magazine, June 2011

To read more about the Friedmutter’s Wedding Fantasty, download a copy of the Luxury Magazine article here.

(would like close-up photo for featured image because of formatting)

We spend a lot of time on this pod.  We lounge; we chat; we hang!  When you can spend time outside, you’re happier or more carefree.  It’s a natural thing to do when it’s comfortable.  Everyone enjoys throwing a blanket down for a snack or a snooze so why not create a great space for your own backyard?  Whether large or small, spaces can easily be created that call upon our desire to be outdoors.  Balconies work great too so don’t be discouraged if your spaces are tiny.  There are many quick and easy ways to create a magical spaces in tight corners with an artifact, twinkle lights, chaise lounge or stool and fabric dressing.  We love to lounge and you will too!

Brad and I have a best friend by the name of Sid Dinow, who is a true visionary.  Sid created a haven in Costa Rica, Los Suenos, which is now for sale!  This sanctuary was inspired by a horseback ride through the Costa Rican jungle with a few friends of his.  This story of Sid’s, of how Los Suenos came to be, inspires me because both he and my husband create “something out of nothing”.  They’ve done this time and time again as they are inspired by visions like this.  There is a wonderful natural pond with amazing roots reaching deep below the water’s surface.  I’m reminded by visions like these to take the inspiration home and recreate the moods and impressions of this moment.  Snap a quick picture of your inspirational moments!  With a little imagination, you too can create your personal haven.

It’s a funny thing, comfort.  Some people believe that all things comfortable must look that way!  Not so, says, Pearl, my best friend in the world and perhaps the world’s best lounger on all things comfortable!  Your pets just might be the perfect comfort testers for what’s right about warmth and coziness.  If your animal friend loves a spot in your home, develop it.  Take advantage of recycling and use your old down comforters as a soft, cushy dog bed.  You can even have them stitched around the sides and fill with your own washable filler.   What’s great about this idea is that you can take place it in the car, push it down for travel and it’s are easy to keep clean.  Another great style tip is to pick up some fabric dye at your local store and dye the old dingy and stained comforter any color you or your pet companion like.

As for your new comfy spots, make sure you incorporate a new or seasonal piece to keep comfort from looking too drab and used. Bright flowers do the trick wonderfully.  Cut ivy, pine or palm fronds from your yard to freshen up spaces that no longer intrigue or excite you.  It’s quick and easy.  Enjoy your comfort and style.

Brad and I love few things more than spending time with great friends. Sharing dreams and inspirations with harmonious people is one of the great joys in life.