Hamburgler

I got the best housewarming gift! A hamburger phone! It was a favorite prop of mine from the movie Juno, especially considering that it is actually a cheeseburger phone, but it says "hamburger" on it. Anyway my friend Michelle gave it to me and I was so delighted I thought I'd share it. Great gift!

Sign of the Times

From the movie- LOVE it.

My own version.

Here's a little weekend post about signage here at Unicorn Villa: I created a pool sign for the front door, which is simple and cute, so visitors and UPS men would know someone was indeed home. That sign has been hung a lot this summer!

Second: Handyman Extraordinaire Skip was able to hang the flag pole (hammer drill needed!) for the Big R Flag, which represents my last name. I always loved the Royal Tenenbaums Flag and that movie inspired my choice to pursue a career in film. The T Flag is one of the top things (second only to the game closet, I'm currently working on my collection of vintage board games) from the movie that I am tying into my own home because they were just so fabulous. Of course the Tenenbaum's Flag is much better as it is pink and on a finial, but we try as best we can. Later ideas include a pirate flag for Halloween and an Alaskan flag for my home state. 

Chandelier Creative

Ok I've been off for a few days working but now I want to share something I've been wanting to do for a while: a cabana chandelier! It's hard to get a good picture- I'm no Patrick Williams but I tried.

I happened in Urban Outfitters of all places yesterday and have been looking for a plastic chandelier of sorts for outdoors. I didn't want anything that was really valuable for obvious reasons but also glass (or crystal) by the pool can't be a good idea. I spotted this interesting creation near the sale section and it was $48.99 marked down to $19! I made them take it down as they didn't have any others besides what was hanging and what do you know, when we rang up it was actually $9.99! I was so excited! The perfect cabana chandelier for under $10, don't you think? Operation Backyard Boutique Hotel continues!

Backyard Oasis

Enjoying the new table and chairs- a big score from Pottery Barn's floor sale.

The umbrella goes so well with the cabana, I adore when things work out like that!

Beautiful morning light over the pool

Striped chaise pillows tie in the brown loungers that came with the pool and are so expensive to replace so I'm making it work.

I finally got all the furniture I needed to set up the backyard to be like a boutique hotel. We were going for California chic, so that we always feel on vacation when out there. We threw an impromptu bbq and pool party, and it was fantastic! Lots of people brought food, and I even met neighbors that I didn't know yet. The next morning, I walked out to clean up and saw the most amazing light filtering through the backyard. It looked so pristine I just had to share!