Home Office Envy

Working from home is a beautiful thing... more time to be with your family, for some people the chance to be more productive, and above all, the ability to be on your own schedule. No matter how flexible you opt to be, the goal is to be able to be as comfortable as possible, as you're now in the comfort of your own home. Making your space as cozy and 'you' as can be is key -- your home office should spark creativity, inspire you to get your best work done and be the birthplace of your most fantastic ideas. Here are of my favorite local South Bay furniture & home decor stores to make your home office truly enviable.

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I love Waterleaf home + gift for their coastal inspired finds that are consistently equal parts well-made, luxurious, and uplifting to the senses. Visit their store to explore their decorative offerings...

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Artistic Habitat in Redondo Beach - Sustainable and gorgeous home decor and furniture

Maxine's by Dennees in in Redondo Beach - Interior design showroom loaded with incredible decorative finds

Quatrine in Manhattan Beach - Custom luxury furniture 

Arte Finest Furniture - Custom, made to order fine wood furniture 

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If you'd like to have your space designed for you, look to the best...

Eden LA Interior Design

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If shopping online is your preference, click on each image below to shop chic + stylish home office supplies that will truly elevate your space!

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More inspiration...

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What does your ultimate home office look like? Are there any local stores you love that I missed? 

Your Curated March 2018 Digest

Click above for offer.

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Market Reports

Click on each city below to be linked to the full report.

Newport Beach

Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Palos Verdes Estates

Hermosa Beach

Torrance

Redondo Beach

Manhattan Beach

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October 2017

Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Basil Pesto... 

Recipe via Minimalist Baker

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 45 mins

Total time: 55 mins

A simple, 9-ingredient spaghetti squash pasta with sun-dried tomato and basil pesto! A light, plant-based meal that's perfect for fall and winter.

Recipe type: Entrée, Side

Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Serves: 2 as entree, 4 as a side

Ingredients

PASTA

• 1 large or 2 small spaghetti squash

PESTO

• 1/4 cup (30 g) raw cashews
• 1/4 cup (33 g) toasted pine nuts (or raw walnuts)
• 2 Tbsp (6 g) nutritional yeast
• 1/4 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
• 2 cups (~120 g) fresh basil, packed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 Tbsp or 9 g)
• 3 Tbsp (20 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (if in oil, drain)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil

FOR SERVING optional

• Toasted pine nuts
• Vegan parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic bread

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and line a large baking sheet with foil.
2. Carefully halve spaghetti squash lengthwise using a sharp knife. I find the best way is to pierce the skin with the very tip of the knife and push it all the way through to the other side. Rock the knife back and forth to cut one half all the way through, then repeat on the other side. Use an ice cream scoop (or sharp spoon) to scrape out the seeds and most of the stringy parts.
3. Brush the interior with oil and sprinkle with a little salt. Place cut-side down on baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the skin and flesh. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. In the meantime, add cashews, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and sea salt to a blender or food processor and pulse until a fine meal.
5. Add basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil and puree into a fine paste. If it has trouble mixing, add a bit more oil or hot water (2-3 Tbsp) to help encourage it along. It doesn’t need to be finely pureed, just well-mixed. A bit of texture is a good thing in this dish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Use a fork to scoop out spaghetti squash into fine strings and divide between serving plates. Top with desired amount of pesto and lightly toss.
7. Serve with additional toppings as desired (listed above). I prefer red pepper flakes and vegan parmesan cheese.
8. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, though best when fresh. Pasta can be enjoyed hot, chilled, or at room temperature.

June 2017

Pampering Your Pets

Every now and then our pets deserve a day to be pampered just like us! They are always there for us to listen, love and cuddle with. Here are a few of my favorite ways to show appreciation for your furry friends...

Spa Day

Kick–start your pet-pampering day by taking a trip to the salon for a day of much-needed grooming.  Aside from your daily or weekly brushing, a good grooming will not only have your pet looking and smelling fabulous, but feeling great as well. Not only is it a great treat, but also a necessity that the entire family can appreciate.  Schedule your next appointment at Lucky Dawg Pet Grooming or South Bay Dog Grooming.  If visiting the groomer is too much for your fun-filled day, give your pet the most luxurious bath you can give in your own tub. Dr. McGrath’s and Opie and Dixie are both terrific brands that offer the highest quality, natural ingredients. Here are two of my favorite products:

Dr. McGraths: 100% human-grade, PH balanced products for dogs, cats, & horses; free of sulfates, phosphates, & dyes

Concentrated Conditioning Animal Shampo

Opie & Dixie: All-natural, organic and vegan grooming aids for the holistic care of dogs and cats.

Organic Healing Paw Balm

Stay-cation

A marvelous stay-cation is a must when planning to pamper your pet. Send them to a luxury pet resort like AMG A Pet Resort where they can get walks, group play, special treats, and so much more. If you don’t want to board your pet, plan a trip to the beach or a nice dog park for you and your best furry friend to run around and be carefree for a day. 

Retail Therapy

Showering your pet with gifts is another good way to show your pet just how much you love them. Just like when we feel we have done a job well done buying a nice treat for yourself is a great way to pat yourself on the back.  So whether it is a treat and a toy from Pet Foods Market or a cute outfit from D.O.G Boutique, your pet will definitely enjoy the retail therapy.

An adorable chew toy from D.O.G. Pet Boutique

Whether it’s a spa day, a quick road trip or a shopping spree, showing your pet how much you love them by pampering them for a day is a great way to make the bond between you two even stronger. Only you know exactly what your furry friend will enjoy so if all else fails, dedicate the day to your best friend. Sometimes, being with your best friend is all the therapy you need.