Swinging in Style: Dedon Swingrest

When I first came across these Daniel Pouset Swingrests by German luxury outdoor company Dedon, I was smitten at both the design and functionality of these hanging loungers. Celebrating their 20 years, Dedon has collaborated with many designers from Philipe Stark to Jean-Marie Massaud and produce such beautiful handwoven furniture crafted in the Philippines. It's the middle of the summer and we crave to spend more time outside, so what better way than to lounge in comfort while swingin' away. My tolerance for vestibular input has diminished as I got older...no rotary input for me, remember those tea cups ride in Disneyland or spin out ride at Magic Mountain? Maybe it's the nest-like relaxation one can get or the location where they took the photos, but this is definitely on my wishlist for our outdoor space in the future.

All images from Dedon

Time for a Picnic

Must pack yummy sandwich and lemonade

something sweet

Who knew it's International Picnic Day today? Thanks to Christina of Studio Patro for letting me know. It's just an informal day of celebrating a great meal outdoors. I've been meaning to post about picnics since our glimpse of a Pop-up Picnic while walking at Sunset Cliffs. I didn't mean to stare at the couple but hey there's been so many pop-up things goin' on...it was an interesting idea and another option for those special occasions. It inspired me to go on a picnic, but I prefer a more low key, grab and go, "flop down on the beach" type of picnic. There's also been so many beautiful images of picnics and dining alfresco in Pinterest that I had to share. While the picnic basket is adorable, I much prefer a backpack especially for trekking to a Hollywood Bowl concert. Here are some more fun facts about picnics via Foodimentary. And some of our picks from our shop for a picnic: throw / tea towel / storage basket / linen tote   Enjoy your day and maybe this will inspire you to dine alfresco or have a picnic. Well, if you're still at work, maybe even eat outside! Mangia!

Picnics: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Essentials : Backpack / Basket
Food: 1 / 2 / 3

The Great Outdoors: Design by Palomba Serafini Associati

With summer season upon us, there's more time for lounging outside. We've definitely had our share of heat wave here in Southern Cal already.  I was thrilled to come across the designs by Palomba Serafini Associati. Based in Milan, talented architects and designers Ludovica and Roberto Palomba  founded their company in 1994 and have garnered multiple design awards since they created their design studio.  While they've developed residential architecture, interiors and yachts, they've also designed a range of furniture, kitchen/bathroom fixtures and lighting. I'm especially loving the mini pool and outdoor collection they've created.  Aptly named the Zen line, featuring clean lines, white neutral palettes balanced with the warmth of wood, this collection is calling my name...as the Italians call it "reposo"...aah some relaxation time outdoors. And their saying comes to mind, "il dolce far niente", the sweetness of doing nothing. I couldn't agree more!