Simple Pleasures

  How was your weekend?  We have been having the most beautiful weather.  The days are longer, the sun is shining and it is the season for casual get togethers and spontaneous outings --  "Let's drive to Corona del Mar and go to Roger's Gardens"!  (a favorite nursery in the area)   July is here and I am appreciating all the simple pleasures of summer.

  I love to take advantage of the fabulous things to do in my own city.  Recently I visited the gardens at the Huntington Library in San Marino.  When I stumbled upon the Lily Pond, I was in awe of its ethereal beauty.

Visiting the Getty Center to see some incredible art ( the Herb Ritts photography exhibition is there right now) and ending up in the gardens is one of the very best things to do in Los Angeles. 

The bougainvillea arbors at the Getty are just amazing!

 Going to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert and picnic is a Los Angeles summertime tradition.

Visiting a local nursery for inspiration in the garden is a summertime treat.  My favorite is Roger's Gardens in Corona del Mar.

Putting together a great stack of books for summer reading is a must. 

Going to the movies!  My current favorite is The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel with Judi Dench, Tom Wilkerson, and Bill Nighy.  Have you seen it?   It is in the vein of "The Enchanted April."  In this case, it is India that has the power to transform the lives of the cast of characters.

Bakes sales for charities such as "Share Our Strength" are a wonderful L.A. summer tradition.  I go to this one each year.

Favorite cookbooks for summer cooking need to be out for inspiration.

A summer cooking goal, to make Paella!
Photo and recipe via here

Discovering a new summer cocktail -- Blood Orange, Mint and Chamomile Margaritas
Photo and recipe via here

And at the end of the day, we all want to be out on the patio sipping that chilled summer cocktail.  I hope you are enjoying the simple pleasures of the season!