Ok! I'm so sorry I haven't posted for a few days and now I'm off to Vegas for the All Baby and Kid's Expo! It's really exciting because my line of art will be showing there, as well as it being the BEST SHOW EVER to shop for children's decor. You can bet I will come back with all kinds of new found treasures! I will post all kinds of fun finds when I get back....whoever said, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!" ? OH! and the MTV VMA Awards will be happening while we're there too. Maybe I'll see someone fabulously famous! Have a beautiful week everyone! Thank you for all your nice comments about the article!!!
It's Out!...& Other Fun Updates!
Yay! I finally received my copies of Central Coast Magazine. I was very flattered to be asked to be a contributing writer for the Home & Garden Section. This is their Style issue and they were featuring families so I wrote an article on trends in the juvenile decor industry. They were so kind to put one of my banners in the layout as well... Hopefully you can get a chance to read it!!!
On the home front, we were up bright and early! At 7 am we had several cement trucks pouring footings for my parents house we are building on our property. The machinery was fantastic to watch...
Kid's Rooms Grow Up!
Just a quick update! My artcile in Central Coast Magazine came out yesterday. I don't see it on their website yet but as soon as I get a copy I will post it here. Hey all my local friends...could you save your copies for me??? Thanks everyone...Happy weekend!
Lots Of Little -and- Big Updates!
Definitely a bit challenging trying to write this with my little 8 year old staring at me saying, "Mom, Mom...". Now she's reading this and scolding me...what's a working mom to do?
To start with some exciting news is Shanauh's HERE!!!!! I'm so happy, we're so happy, that she's here...just in the nick of time with some major design projects going on right now....more about that to come...
On a personal level, the house we are building for our parents hit a small bump in the road which halted things for a few days. So as you can see not much of a change from the last pictures I posted. Things are moving smootly now and hopefully we can pour footings next week. We've certainly been blessed with the weather. It's been simply gorgeous lately.
On a new note, here is a little project I have taken on. My friend, Pacha, an amazing mixed media artist, has created a new movement. Basically, a canvas painting is started and then passed to another artist unitl the painting is deemed complete. Photos are taken every step of the way and in the end the painting is sold with the money going to charity. How fantastic is that??? The canvas I wanted has already moved on so I am starting a new one. If any of you would like to add to it, contact me and I will send it to you. You can read more about it on her site: www.HolonicArts.com.
Also, exciting news!!! I just saw the preview of Central Coast Magazine. I was asked to be a contributing writer and wrote a feature story for the Home & Garden section. It should be out later this week!!!
Trunk Show Today!!!
Two more hours and counting...I wish I had slept last night (and the night before)...still, I'm really looking forward to today's Trunk Show! Colleen (yummy jewelry designer) and I set up this table yesterday...OK, wait, I got busy with the boutique and Colleen set up the whole table by herself. Reesa ( Partea Planner) would have laughed at how long it took us to figure out how to make a rectangular table cloth fit a round table...(that was the lack of sleep thing). The Sparx Soy Candles from my friend Ally are DI-VINE! I'm burning Gardenia right now and it's simply heavenly! I'm going to really try to remember to take pictures this time!!! This week was crazy busy. We just got back from the San Francisco Show right into all my design projects and today's Trunk Show...I'm pretty sure I'm going to sleep like a rock tonight! Happy weekend everyone! If you're local, please come by today!!!
Breezy Summer Trunk Show!
I'm so excited for Friday, August 3rd! This will be my third Trunk Show at my boutique. This time I will be featuring local jewelry designer, Colleen Weist of Seven Sisters Jewelry and I will also be featuring my new Soy Candle line made by local entrepreneurs, Ally Monje & Margie Purganan, of Sparx Candles. Please join us for a fun afternoon and a glass of wine!
Save The Date! Friday, August 3rd!
It's time again to feature another fabulous local artist! Colleen Wiest is an extremely talented jewelry designer. I discovered her last year in San Luis Obispo. She and three other jewelry designers transformed an adorable little cottage into a magical jewelry adventure. That's where I fell in love with Colleen's jewelry. She uses only the best materials and her creations are simply yummy! (There I said it, "Yummy", I haven't used it in a looooong time. :-) So save the date, Friday, August 3rd, 4:00-7:00 for her Trunk Show!!! Those of you far away may want to check out her website to order. www.SevenSistersJewelry.com
Strawberry Festival Craziness!
This last weekend was The Strawberry Festival in our little Village of Arroyo Grande. I heard Sunset Magazine said it was the place to be Memorial Day weekend and they must of read it because over 100,000 people attended! My little showroom is just under 400 sq. feet...you do the math! It was totally overwhelmed to say the least. Luckily my friend, Jamie, was helping me. We did a give away for one of my fabulous Pine Cone Hill bathrobes. Amanda Stewart was the winner! Congratulations Amanda!
Birth & Baby Fair This Saturday!
One of my most favorite things about this little showroom of mine is all the wonderful people I meet. Wait...I'm sure I've written that many times before! :-) A little while ago I met a lovely person, Mignon, she volunteers for a wonderful non-profit organization in San Luis Obispo called the Birth and Baby Resource Network (along with being a fantastic mommy entrepreneur as well). They offer all kinds of great contacts and is a terrific place to go to for information when you are having a baby. They just recently opened their new office in Downtown, San Luis Obispo! This weekend is the 11th Annual Birth and Baby Fair in the Mission Plaza, SLO. http://bbrn.org I will be closed on Saturday because I will be Booth #1 at the Fair! My heads been swimming on how to display my booth. I'd appreciate any creative ideas any of you have!
You're Invited! Friday, May 4th!
This coming Friday, May 4th, from 4:00 - 7:00, I will be having a very fun Mother's Day Trunk Show! (Just an excuse to throw a party!) You and your friends are invited to join me and Julie Garver, jewelry designer extraordinare. Julie will have her entire line of jewelry here. A great Mother's Day gift or treat for yourself. Snacks & Libations too!!! I hope to see you all there!
Mother's Day Trunk Show!
You are all invited! Friday, May 4th, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, I will be having a very special Trunk Show! I will be featuring jewelry designer, Julie Garver. I love her work! I will also have lots of great gift ideas for Mom. So grab your friends and come on by!!!
Make It Modern!
I was a bit down and out with a gnarly head cold this week but I'm back on my feet again...sure makes you appreciate your health!
On a happy note, one of the homes I designed was featured in today's Telegram Tribune, HOME section. These are two of my most favorite clients and it was such a pleasure to work with them. The original house was pretty typical, million dollar, track house material...ceramic tile and rock wall fireplaces...we gutted the entire bottom floor, knocked out a few walls (my favorite!) and rebuilt it from scratch. What we ended up with was beautiful ocean views and a modern living space that is to die for...(It helps to have clients with fantastic taste!) If you're local, pick up a copy of the San Luis Obispo, Tribune. It should be posted online at http://www.sanluisobispo.com later today under HOME. They usually have a slide show and the entire story...for some reason it's not up yet, but when it does, it stays up until next Friday. Happy Weekend Everyone! Stay Healthy!
Luscious Little Laura Lou!
I opened my boutique in the Village of Arroyo Grande, December of 2006. I've helped many stores open but I did not foresee (realistically) how much work it would be to do it myself. So when someone like Dina Victoria walked in, back in December, I felt I had met a kindred spirit. Not only that, her enthusiasm, advice, and genuine sincerity in seeing me succeed, touched my heart deeply. Dina used to have a darling clothing boutique in San Luis Obispo a few years ago. She is a very talented designer and makes gorgeous, quality clothing for children. That day she came in she said she would like to loan me her mailing list she acquired those few years ago...a very generous offer that was unconditional...low and behold, a few days later she showed up with a stack of contacts in her hands. I was thoroughly moved by her actions. Now it's my turn to introduce her to you! Dina has recently launched her new, on-line boutique. http://www.littlelauralou.com It's absolutely darling and you should all check it out...the little booties are to-die-for! Happy Easter! 
Sensational Sugar Bear Designs!
Once again, my beautiful friend, Karla, (aka owner of http://www.yuppypuppypawtisserie.com) has added to her life a new and very sweet Blog. I was a bit teary eyed and quite flattered to see my own blog listed on her site as well. I wish I knew how to do that....I will have to figure that one out. :-) Pour yourself a cup of tea and check out http://sugarbeardesigns.blogspot.com
Hip Hop Hurray!
Too much fun!! The bunny rabbit hopped in early this year and left all kinds of treats in my showroom!
I just love these little boxes for hidden sweets as well as my very well appointed bunny who is overseeing all the festivities! If you're in the Village, stop by and check it out!
Yuppy Puppy Yum!
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. I know I did. I actually slept for 15 hours Saturday night and woke up a new person. Who knew the benefits of sleep? :-)
I am so proud of my friend, Karla Natale, who has just launched her new on-line business http://www.yuppypuppypaw.com!!!!! How adorable are these yummy puppy treats? I'm thinking if they were in my house my husband or I would end up eating them! Good thing I only have a cat... but Karla knows I'm a dog-friendly showroom (I always have yummy treats for the 4 legged friends among us) so I know I will have to place an order ASAP! You should too! My hats off to Karla for pursuing a passion and creating a business. When you live your dream, life takes care of you.
Valentine's Trunk Show!
Thank you everyone for your wonderful support and for coming to our very first Showroom Trunk Show! The artist's reception was great fun. Cindy Arnet (right) showed her new line of jewelry made from Ming pottery chards and semi-precious stones. Pam Awalt (left) showed her precious "Bijou's" made from mix-matched china. Hot cider, cookies (thank you Pam!) and Mexican appetizers made for a festive evening. Just visiting with everyone was such a treat. I appreciate all of your support and look forward to featuring many more new, local artists in the future! Pam & Cindy's work with be at the showroom until Valentine's Day so there is still more time to come in and shop! (Little Bella had a grand time & was so cute!)
It's A Blessing!
It's really a blessing to have the opportunity to interact with such talented local artists and to have a venue now, with my new showroom, to show them off! I am so excited for you all to meet Cindy Arnet (jewelry designer extraordinare) and Pam Awalt (creative mixed media artist) this Friday!!! I feel confident you'll walk away uplifted and inspired to find your own artistic self! 
Telegram Tribune - Designer's Notebook!
Well, a very special thank you to the Tribune and Rebecca Juretic for writing such a lovely article on my new showroom! She really did her research and read my website as well as captured the essence of my passion for designing children's spaces. If you'd like to read the entire article you can here. http://www.sanluisobispo.com Have a great weekend everyone!
Don't forget, next Friday, Valentine's Trunk Show!!!
Thank You!
Thank you everyone who braved the rain and came out for our Grand Opening! It was a fun filled, non-stop day! Unfortunately, I was so busy that I forgot to take pictures.... :-(
I did however, take pictures of my new Valentine's window and hope to post them later today. Serena and I had fun switching everything out yesterday. Happy Monday everyone and thanks again for your support!