All "decked" out

One of the biggest criteria I had for my new place in LA was that I wanted to have easy access to the outdoors.  Whether that was living close to the beach or having my own patio- I was determined to get something.  One of my favorite things about my Chicago apartment was our deck space.

  On the nice days, I practically lived out there.  A LOT of stuff when down on those decks:

pumpkin carving,

birthday parties,

class celebrations,

visits from old friends,

Sunday Funday,

 and many more shenanigans that lack picture documentation (thankfully).

Moving to a place with allegedly "perfect" weather (it's supposed to storm all weekend- I am displeased), I knew that I was going to crave easy access to outdoor fun, preferably with some shade for my pasty skin.  I really lucked out when I scored my place

just 8 blocks from the beach

with an AHH-mazing private patio area

 After being here for just over a month, I finally decided it was time to make both of these things more accessible to me.  For a one month anniversary present to my house, I gave the patio some love. {This post made possible by craigslist}

First I scored a portable bar

Then a patio set to replace the one I sold in Chicago

Followed by a fire pit

Add my deck lights

and we have patio perfection!

Coming soon- BBQ.  The girl I got the table set from is willing to unload her charcoal grill to me for a very reasonable price as well.  That will complete the picture and make my patio ready for a belated house warming party!  Also, she seems cool.  I might try to be her friend, is that allowed or too sketchy? Meh, moving on...

So I've really been dying to spend more time at the beach.  I've taken a few runs and walks but runs are hard to really enjoy (let's be honest) and I feel super creepy just walking around alone looking at stuff and power walking is clearly out of the question.  I could go lay out, but it's chilly and I'm allergic to direct sunshine.  Clearly the only logical solution was to invest in a brand new beach cruiser.  {Sponsored by Chubby's Cruisers} Presenting...

The Countess!

Complete with beach ball bell of course.

 As a subsidiary to The Duchess, there were several options for her title.  As I pondered the choices and tried to find the right fit, I realized that I could not make this decision on my own. See, twas not simply by my hand alone that The Duchess was bestowed her royal honor.  She was named on a roadtrip I took with Jane in 2008, and frankly that roadtrip and our ensuing shenanigans (which actually may have lead us both to living in Chicago) were what really made the name and caused it to stick despite the terribly pompous implications.  Thus, I called up Jane, gave her the final say and welcomed The Countess into my life.  It feels so right.

Since the rain started immediately after putting The Countess in The Duchess (what?), I haven't taken her on a beach ride yet.  Fingers crossed for some sun this weekend so we can get down to Venice!

Hope everyone enjoyed 11-11-11 and took some time to think about our nation's veterans.  I honored them by not providing them with genetic counseling...which in hindsight seems odd... whatever, I didn't make the rules.   Cheers to our veterans and all they do for our country- have a great weekend everyone!