The Durbins are on the move. We're planning trips far and wide. Southern California is always calling my name. Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Coronado... the usual Venti suspects. Why? Because nothing puts the wind in my sail better and faster than sweeping views of the Pacific and palm trees. 

And while I'm a St. Regis Monarch Beach girl at heart, the two properties I'm currently stalking are The Huntley in Santa Monica in and the Westin Mission Hills in Palm Springs.

All have their perks. The Huntley is a boutuque hotel I've long had a crush on. The Westin in Palm Springs is a bit of a classic (though not nearly as infamous as the nearby "Wesrtler-ized" Viceroy). But of course the siren call of a homerun like the St. Regis is probably the most appealing for a family of four. 

Which would you choose and why?

And like all great brand builders, you've made us see these luxuries as necessities. Do I need a trio of brass bowls shaped like hearts? Apparently I do, since I can't stop ogling them. And what of an agate geode that has likewise been dipped into that lustrous metal? Do I "need" it as I need water and food. My aching desire to own such things is a nod to your powers as a seductress. You've made luxury seem as essential to life as the air we breathe. Which, it should be notes, you've also scented with your line of fragrant candles. The better to faint upon the chaise in a fabric covered in your new textile line wearing kitten heels designed by you. Brilliant, my dear. Brilliant! You've wrapped it all up in a neat & tidy (gold) bow.

More importantly, this sudden, seemingly silent and all-consuming expanse of your luxury lifestyle brand has given me new vision, new goals and a new model from which to base my own success. Previously I've been keen to watch the rise of successful brand builders like Barbara Barry, Richard Branson and others. But having someone so much closer in age and aesthetic has given me renewed energy and a more laser-like focus on what I intend to achieve. So than you for that, and for enabling my obsession with all things brass and gold. We heart you for it. Geode // nesting bowls // three gilt-lined porcelain bowls // heart bottle stopper

Summer is officially here. It's hot as blazes down here in Texas. Too hot to enjoy the pool during the day. Yes, that hot. But... that doesn't mean I can pinterest my little heart out and plan my next trip. As usual I'm focused on the Cote d'Azur and all things French Riviera. No surprise there, but then again... you can't improve upon perfection.

From megayachts to itsy-bitsy bikinis, this stretch of waterfront European land is amazing and never ever bores me. Thank you, Pinterest, for my daily mental vacation. ;)

Into every life (or home, as it were) a little patina must fall. In my opinion, something with a little age and history makes a room so much more interesting. Though I don't consider myself a typical fan of vintage wares, when I stumbled upon Anthology House on etsy my appreciation of the genre was immediate.

The team behind this boutique, Amy & Alyse, have an eye for bits of glam and unique finds. From brass cranes to disco ball ice buckets (yeah, baby!) these "objets" ooze the Regency glamour of a Trina Turk photo shoot in Palm Springs.  

I'll be posting more of their chic finds throughout the month of June and digging in deeper with an interview with this talented duo. We'll uncover their treasure hunting secrets as well as learning more about what inspires their entrepreneurial drive. 

In the meantime, follow their daily style adventures on Instagram & twitter & like them on facebook. But don't miss their fabulous blog where their style mojo really shines. 

Featured: Ram Bookends // Roman Centurian Bristle Brush  // Chinoiserie Ginger Jar // Brass Swan Planters

It's Friday. More than that...I'm "this" close to finishing up a major months long project. So close to the finish line that I can already imagine the victory lap. And yet, my mind wanders.

As I press on and try to wrap up my design, my mind can't help but plot out places it wants to visit. Surely Monte Carlo sounds great, as does Portofino. Maybe the rush of Vespas whipping by in Rome, or perhaps the quiet beaches of Seychelles are calling.

All I know is I'm armed with an active passport, a tiny army of bathing suits and the biggest sunglasses I can find. The rest is up to Mr. Venti...

By now you likely know I'm obsessive. I like things neat, tidy and... well, perfect. And a closet is no exception. In fact, since moving into our current home I've never been more closet-happy. Now that everything has a "place" and my wardobe on display it makes dressing a snap. It's not Lisa Vanderpump level of amazing, but that's what discussions about "the next house" are for... right? 

So... since I love you and I know you like pretty things like I do, I thought I'd share some dreamy photos of the divine Mrs. Vanderpump's closet (again) since I personally think it shines and sparkles like a jewel. Which is fitting since she has an abundant supply of those as well. Enjoy! 

I am experiencing one of those moments in life where major things are happening simultaneously. Since this life is self-driven its no surprise that this "activity concerto" is by design. As I wrap up a major design project and button up a handful of smaller ones I'm beginning to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel.

And it couldn't be happening at a better time. This weekend marked the kickoff of our American summer. We hosted a houseful of friends and family, grilled like Bobby Flay, entertained like Martha and pumped up the jams like Tiesto.

It's time for maxi dresses and mini-bikinis... Al fresco meals and evening swims. Armed with a small handful of fabulous bathing suits, much more free time and a laser-like focus on enjoying life "in the moment" I'm ready for what summer holds in store.

In preparation for these projects wrapping up I've been defragging my life. Closets have been purged, drawers are organized to Pinterest-like perfection, donations have been dropped, books returned and thank you cards written.

It's as if I've been on hyperdrive heading towards this idyllic moment when my "new life" begins. And although the cast if characters around me remains the same (husband, daughters, friends, family...) the main character in this story (moi) has undergone a dramatic, albeit private, transformation. I have renewed purpose, restored passion and specific focus on the exciting future ahead.

All that's left to do now is hold summer's hand, peer at the sparkling waters below... and leap.

My husband asked what my ideal swimming pool looked like. Well, maybe I'm remembering that wrong. It's entirely possible I took it upon myself to tell him what it should look like. Either way, these images tell the story for me...

I hope you have an amazing weekend and find yourself lounging by a sparkling pool of water this weekend. I certainly aim to do the same! 

{thank you, Google}

May your week be inspired and unforgettable... 

{image via House Beautiful}

We're all fascinated by coffee culture. Even the most timid of souls can confidently order a non-fat skinny latte from a barista. The more enlightened amongst us order coffee more like I do, with specifications that often befuddle those behind us in line.

So how much do you, yes you, really know about espresso-based drinks? If you've been looking for an infographic to clue you in, I've found just the thing. A cheat sheet for what I deem to be the coffee purist's guide to the perfect crema.

Wondering exactly how you'll pull those perfect shots and foam the milk just so? I've got you covered. The Nespresso system can't be beat. Trust me on this. 

{via FastCo Design}