smitten studio // sarah sherman samuel

from the weekend: long walk & work

sarah — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:54:03 +0000

This weekend I worked a lot but also fit in a long walk by the water with the dogs and a trip over to the Long Beach flea market, which is where I picked up those copper beauties.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

cabin progress: patio planning 2

sarah — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:37 +0000

Tagging onto yesterday’s post and the table search, I picked out the Rocha table to see how it sits next to my favorite chair options.

I don’t usually like to have a matchy matchy dining set (even though that’s exactly what we have on the inside of the cabin). Sometimes it works, but I prefer when it doesn’t look like it all came from the same place. I am loving how the Redsmith and the Tolix are looking with that table oh, and the Hogsten (a nice inexpensive option). Decisions decisions…

Shopping guide: 1: Dexter Chair from West Elm // 2: Redsmith Chair from Anthropologie // 3: Rex Chair from CB2 // 4: Tolix Marais Chair from Design Within Reach // 5: Teak folding chair from Linens & Things // 6: Hogsten Chair from Ikea

cabin progress: patio planning

sarah — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:23:22 +0000

As you can see, our patio is still very much empty. While it makes for great uninterrupted views from the living room, it makes relaxing on the deck next to impossible. Last year we did so much work on the cabin that we didn’t spend near as much time as I would have liked outside. So this year, my first project is to furnish that space.

You might remember from the inspiration, my plan is to have a dining and a lounge space. I’ve narrowed it down to getting a long rectangular table for the eating area and two chaise loungers for the space nearest the lake. Here is a look at how I plan to lay it out.

Since the table is such a large piece, I am on a mission to get that picked out first. Here are a few of my top options for outdoor dining tables.

I’m leaning towards a simple silhouette like the expandable one or the rocha. Any favorites?

Product Guide: 1: Expandable table by West Elm // 2: Giardino table by Ballard Designs // 3: Garden Court table by Viesso // 4: Rocha table by Crate & Barrel

To see the patio before photos look here
To see all the progress on the cabin look here

my style: faux leather midi & studded shoes

sarah — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:28 +0000

I run cold (as Rupe would say) so it took the 100+ degree weather in palm springs this weekend to get me back into a skirt. I don’t always go for a midi length skirt but in pleather?… I just couldn’t help myself. Paired with the studded sandals and my snake print bag the material brings an edge to an otherwise classic silhouette. What do you think, are you a mini, midi, or maxi?

shop the look: faux leather midi skirt (old from zara), find similar here or here // top by Madewell // Studded sandals by Zara // fold over clutch by Clare Vivier // Necklace by Iacoli & McAllister

from the weekend: palm springs getaway

sarah — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:39:14 +0000

It was high time to get out of the house and get in some relaxation time. Rupe surprised me with a weekend trip to Palm Springs to take a break from the busy whirlwind my days have become lately and to celebrate his almost finished recovery after surgery. We happily swam, read, ate, and relaxed the weekend away.

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

smitten travels: pagoda lodge, new zealand

sarah — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:19:59 +0000

The last place we stayed in New Zealand was one of the most unique and peaceful spots we’ve been to and was a perfect ending to our trip. Situated on a river’s edge in Keri Keri, the Pagoda Lodge’s setting is something magical. Take a peek inside the riverside safari tent that we called home… after the jump.

We originally planned to just park our van in one of the campsites at Pagoda Lodge but after seeing all their different accommodations (cottages, the pagoda lodge, a boat shed, a caravan, a tree house, a wheel house, and safari tents) we thought the Pear Tree Treehouse sounded like a fun change.

However, when we arrived and the owners (kathy & stephen) saw how tall Rupe was they didn’t think we would fit in the treehouse! I assured them that we were used to sleeping in a van for the previous two weeks so the treehouse was actually an upgrade but they insisted that they had no problem with upgrading us to a safari tent with no cost to us. After they showed us the treehouse we decided that maybe they were right and then when we saw the safari tent we were blown away. Perched up on a wooden platform overlooking the river was this two room safari tent complete with a queen bed and private patio. We slept like babies.

Tips for staying at Pagoda Lodge:
1: if you’re over 6′ tall pass on the tree house
2: kayaking along the river was gorgeous but don’t forget you have to turn around and go back. (Rupe used to Kayak all the time but we are way out of rowing shape. We made it out near the ocean ok but after fighting some waves and wind, about 3/4 of the way back we were about dead!)
3: pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful grounds
4: take advantage of the walking trails

To see more of our trip to New Zealand look here and here and more of Smitten Travels here.

Images by Sarah Sherman Samuel

mother’s day gift guide

sarah — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:32:52 +0000

… a few colorful options to brighten your mom’s day.

Shopping guide: 1: Bag from Asos // 2: Floral Pillow by West Elm // 3: Juliet & Company Necklace // 4: Michael Kors Wrap Watch // 5: Edward BEss Eau La La Parfum // 6: Kaleido Trays // 7: Kate Spade iPhone case // 8: Print by Oh My Deer Handmades // 9: Elephant earrings from Bauble Bar // 10: Gold Cheese Knives 11: Michael Kors Gia Clutch // 12: Tropical Bandana by Madewell

from the weekend: house hunting

sarah — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:26:55 +0000

Let me just say house hunting in LA is never boring. We have been playing with the idea of selling our place to get a house with a yard bigger then our patch of fake grass we currently have. Although, the more we see of what is out there in our neighborhood the more things are looking like we might just stay put. I mean this sofa is lovely and all but how about those walls? The kicker with this property was that, every tiny room had different types of wood paneling, it was right off the 405, and the entire backyard was concrete. Now you know I am all for a fixer but this one was a little much.

Images by me via Instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)

April in review

sarah — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:11:09 +0000

What a month… here is a look at what I have been up to lately. A few of the highlights were getting to work on a couple photo shoots with some talented people and seriously awesome animals (I got to hang with Zebras and Alpaca!), working on and celebrating my dear friends wedding, and having Rupe recovered enough after surgery for our first meal out together.

Images by me via instagram (I’m @sarahshermansamuel)