Hittin a groove...

The Bonaventure Hotel,
Downtown L.A.

The Bona Vista Lounge @
The Bonaventure Hotel

 Sooooooo, it's looking a lil like it's date montage time again =)


Two, almost 3 months in & we still wanted to see each other as much as we could, it was a bit ridiculous, but I was enjoying every moment we got to spend together.
We even had figured out how to be out on the town every now & then with our busy schedules - the Autumn in L.A. was alot of fun, falling in love.

Our city view 

 Since he worked downtown & I would find myself down there on location quite often too, we'd squeeze in a cocktail every now & then :)


We also hit a stretch of 3 weeks where he had his kids full time, which having not gotten to the stage of meeting them, meant showing some restraint & not getting to see him as often...


Not being able to live on texts & calls alone, one night we both found ourselves downtown finishing up work & he suggested squeezing in a drink at the famed Bonaventure Hotel.
OF COURSE! I missed my babe!


He treated me to a quiet romantic time high above the city skyline in the rotating rooftop Bona Vista Lounge.


There was much debate as to if we were really moving or just the exterior windows were...I think I lost that one ;)

Library Bar, Downtown L.A.

 It was the perfect fix I needed to finish out my week...


Another night, we hit the Library Bar, so at least we felt intellectual as we sipped our drinks & soaked up our time together. A great date spot to cozy in & chat.

His kids ended up with sleepovers one weekend, which meant bonus time with my babe - YAY!

This time we stayed in & it was peeerrrrrfect!

He wined & dined me at his place by candlelight, outdoors in the crisp evening air, the fire pit crackled as we looked out over the quiet city below.

Our own world, surrounded by nature & in each other's arms ~ this was worth the wait ;)

On came the music, pop went the champagne bottle & into the hot tub we climbed, the warmth enveloping us as we kissed in each other's arms. 

Early the next morning I was off to San Diego for an indie designer sale with my clothing company & wouldn't you know he got up, made me coffee & breakfast for the road ~ the best honey ever!!

When I opened up the goodie bag he put together, there was a delicious cup of fruits - he CHOPPED fruits!! He's too good to me!

His check-in texts & cheers for me throughout the day kept me smiling & gave me energy to keep on selling. 

A great weekend for sure!!

Another lil surprise

A simple & beautiful bouquet of one of my favorite flowers, the gerbera daisy, from my babe... just because

xo

Thoughts of a year ago

Its crazy to think that Thanksgiving is tomorrow! 

How did this happen? Where has the year gone?

I'll admit to loving the chill in the air, but that's about the only thing telling me its November. This year has been an amazing year, full of many changes, challenges, joys & laughter, but boy has it flown by!

I caught myself thinking back to last year the day before Thanksgiving & struggling to get excited for a 1st date that evening.

I had met this gentleman at a wine event a few weeks earlier & he had been quite persistent in his chase.

He seemed nice when we chatted over a glass at the event & I was trying to be more open on my search for love, so why not? Let's meet for a drink...

The morning of the date I was NOT wanting to go! Had a chat with my dating coach, Marni & she reasoned some sense into me ~ I had nothing to lose, go out & have some fun!

Now she wasn't too happy to learn I ended up trekking to his side of town for the date. Originally we were supposed to meet in Hollywood, middle ground, but he was tiiiired, oh good god I'll drive to your side...

 Marni is a big believer in having the man make the effort & come to your world, not necessarily your home but your side of town.

That used to make me very nervous, like they'd expect to be "asked over" afterwards, & I hate awkward moments. At least in the middle, you just part & go your separate ways...

Sorry to ramble on, needless to say I found myself on the westside at the Westside Tavern meeting a man I couldn't even remember by appearance (thank god he recognized me) (and who knows how dark it was the first night, he could've been older than my dad!!)

The place was packed. He asked if I wanted to get a table, nope 1 drink & I'm out! So we ended up at the bar & his hands quickly went everywhere - totally regretting the lack of table choice!

We have some wine,& chat for bit. I keep pushing him off, persistent I'll give him that, but not the most perceptive.

Afterwards he walks me to my car & being the "nice" girl, I offer to drive him to his car - BIG MISTAKE!

Once to his car, his seatbelt come off & over the seat he dives.

It was one of those moments where I was caught so off guard I kissed him back instead of slap him like I should've.

When he then tried to instruct me on how to kiss, he had to go!

I FINALLY got him out of my car - thank goodness!

Driving home that night, blasting Florence + the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" repeatedly, I found a strength in myself I didn't know I had.

Instead of getting depressed over another bad date, I saw that I didn't have to settle for what ever attention is being given me if I don't like it.

I also learned when my gut keeps trying to tell me something (like don't go) I need to listen!

Cut to a year later, a lot has changed ~ there have been many more dates, more lessons learned and I am ever so THANKFUL for the journey that has brought me to the wonderful man I'm seeing now.

The good stuff is worth the wait :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

xo

Shaking things up a bit...

Okay, so admittedly I'm kinda new to this stage of the game. I've never really maintained a relationship this long, at least with someone who is in town...I will say its much easier to go this distance when you only see one another every coupla months or so...

We were still having a great time don't get me wrong, but I did begin to worry about too many things ~ what if we fall into a rut of doing the same thing over & over? what if he starts to find me boring? am I boring? oh god, I've got to shake things up...

You're gonna laugh at me, but I've had a glass of wine, so I'm going to share anyways :)

Being on the outside looking in, I've always pictured having a boyfriend as kind of like having a playmate, someone to try new things with, hitting that cute new cafe that opened in the neighborhood for brunch, seeing a concert in the park, strolling an artwalk, wine tasting, etc.

And then there's the reality, life can get busy. Two separate lives can get very hectic & finding time to stroll hand in hand & wine tasting in the country can easily turn into cozy nights on the couch with a glass of wine - an equally fun alternative, just not always &/or instead of.

I am the silly girl who when shopping pictures the outfit I'm trying on as various "date" clothes ~ this is my casual Carlie, my "stylish with a flair, how could you not want me" look, my Sunday farmer's market look, my demure lady moment looks, my carefree easy looks *...for years I have had a closet full of date-worthy looks dying to go out & here I am on the couch...what?

*all this further proving why I've chosen my career path, I live to dress for life's moments ~ I mean, c'mon you know when you come across an old sweater in the closet, or a piece of jewelry that was a gift, & it takes you back to the memories of when you wore it ~ you can't deny clothes play a part ;)

We were still in that sappy happy phase, I mean I couldn't help but not smile from the minute he showed up at my door til we kissed goodnight, but our schedules had gotten the best of us & you could usually find us sharing our day's events over a glass of wine & some kisses at one or the other's respective couches.

I was itching to be out, sharing the world together. A lil antsy to be in the space I had envied for years, I wanted to do things, see things, share adventures.

I think he may have started to sense this...

I was teased with some texts about Saturday evening, maybe trying something new?...picking me up at 5:15p -  yes, I know it's early ;)  

& to dress snazzy ~ omigosh, do you know how crazy my mind went with outfits dancing thru my head? ~ fancy snazzy? funky snazzy? classy snazzy?help!

It was my closet's time to shine & it froze!

Clues for the evening:

* an old favorite

* a new discovery

* & a certain je ne sais quoi

I was stumped, & happily so

Saturday is here, 5:15 arrives & so does he...

Allllmoooost ready, gotta keep 'em waiting for a sec, right? ;)

First surprise ~ a fabulous light-up fancy sparkly ring, who says my baby doesn't spoil me

Super fab statement ring from that afternoon's Bar mitzvah ;)

 First stop of the evening ~ Susan Feniger's restaurant "Street"

He didn't even know how much I adored her on Top Chef Masters, great call babe!

 Her international street faire foods were de-licious!!!

The Sazerac - mighty tasty on one's lips after
they've sipped it

YUM!!

Okay, so that stop was "a new discovery", what lied ahead next ~ "a certain je ne sais quoi" ~

A screening of Truffaut's 1960's black & white French film, "The Soft Skin"

Oh la la monsieur, oui oui

Tres sexy

Our third stop of the evening switched from "an old favorite" to another "new discovery" (for me)

The original plan included going back to our rooftop rendevous bar, but being a Saturday night & all the ambiance just would not have been the same, so he treated me to the weird & wonderful world of Bazaar, an eyeful experience bar at the SLS hotel in Beverly Hills

Libations

& creations

Thank you my darling for a wonderful evening!!
xo

Hollyrock Bowl

One of my FAVORITE places in L.A. is the Hollywood Bowl.

I think it has a lil something to do with seeing it on "The Flintstones" as a kid, it just made it iconic to me :)

Isn't everything cooler if Fred & Wilma went there?

In my opinion there is no better way to spend a summer evening than listening to live music under the stars (well in theory they're there, damn city lights)

Season after season my girlfriends & I anticipate the concert schedule coming out, hoping for a good line up of shows to hit. The beauty of the bowl is that you can generally see a great show at a really decent price. One of the best parts is packing up our picnic baskets, wine bottles & all and just hanging out with your friends.

I couldn't believe the entire summer had almost escaped me without a trip to the Bowl, so when I saw a daily deal for tickets I snapped them up quick!

The evening's show was a screening of "Powaqqatsi" while the Phillip Glass ensemble played, along with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Knowing my baby loooooves film scores this seemed like a no-brainer surprise :)

We packed up a goodie bag of delicious snacks, some vino, & off we went.

I was so excited to finally have a DATE to a show at the Bowl, I was a giddy lil kid that evening.

We snuggled under our blanket & were moved by the vivid images as the beautiful music filled the air.

I had my first Bowl kiss that evening ;)

For only making it once this summer, it was an evening I'll always remember.

xo

Our view

 Some images from the film 

I like you, I adore you, I...

Let's just start this one off with the disclaimer that I'm still learning how to do thing we call a relationship.

Its so easy to be single, sometimes too easy, to be doing your own thing, when you want to, however you want to.

For close to 20 years now, I've been on my own. And for the most part I've enjoyed it. Sure there's been those times, like when trying to lug an Ikea bookcase up 2 flights of stairs, that having someone around to help would've been nice, but I grew from my time alone, learned more about who I was, what I wanted outta life, & where my strengths lie, I think...I hope (Ikea furniture building being one)...

But recently I've been thinking about how nice it is to have someone to share life with, to turn to for advice, to cheer you on, to laugh with, dance in the living room with ~ all the things you look just plain crazy doing on your own.

Admittedly though, I do still talk to myself out loud in public, sometimes without even realizing until mid-conversation ;)  

What is my point?

Well, I learned how special my man is when I had a big weekend show with my clothing line, Ch*Armz

 Our booth @ Barker Hangar ~ Ch*Armz 

I'm pretty good when it comes to dealing with stress, I thrive under pressure & deadlines, its slightly masochistic if you ask me, but it's how I roll...

I had never realized how much of a difference having someone in your corner makes ~ one who's holding you up with encouraging words when doubts creep in, who checks in on how your day is going, someone who truly cares.

His just asking about my day made me want to do more, to be more. He helped re-invigorate the energy I knew I had but had gotten bogged down in with too much inner-conversation. 

At the end of a long first day of the show, my honey treated me out to sushi at Katsu-ya ~ now we're talkin ;)

Nothing can take away the day's stresses like some sake & spicy tuna on crispy rice, yeah you heard me

Lil bites of heaven

 And just when I thought I had already gone to heaven, he took my back to his place & we popped open some champagne, got in to the jacuzzi and had bubbly in the bubbles, under the stars......

The music played in the background

He pulled me close, cupping my face in his hands & whispered "Carlie, je t'aime"

The rush through my body was electric tingly, was it the bubbly? the heat of the bubbles? It was him, my love.

I was able to truly say I love you back for the first time without hesitation, without tears, without feeling obligated. I had fallen for this wonderful man in front of me.

From there we got sickeningly silly romantic & serenaded each other to the song that was playing...

The next day I don't think me feet touched the ground.

The show went well.

And when it was time to break down our booth, he was there, ready to help.

I surrendered & completely appreciated his help.

Sometimes you don't have to do it all on your own :)

xo

The music swells...

 Okay, now would be the time in a romantic comedy movie for the "falling for each other" montage...and as a sucker for such films, I can't help but indulge in a lil stroll thru our happy dates...


(**for added viewing/reading pleasure, scroll down & hit play, for a fave from Ole Blue Eyes**)




Imagine my giddy surprise when I opened up my laptop to find a sticky note in, not on, my screen - how techie cool is he?!? 
Not to mention, sweet, awwwwww
I smiled all day  

A weekday evening at the art museum, live bands playing, wine bar open, sitting on a bench chatting the night away, almost forgetting to go see the exhibit we came for...

Once inside, strolling the gallery, together at times, each getting lost in the various pieces & what they were saying, wandering among the sculptures, our hands easily find one another and glide together 

Wonderful evenings out trying new restaurants, tantalizing our taste buds with food and lively conversations.


Delicious french fare, one particularly fabulous night out, with a pot au chocolat unlike no other... mmmmmmmmmmmmm, chocolat covered lips

Gorgeous lilies arrived in his hands at the door one summer day, my place smelled divine for the next week
I've let my guard down when it comes to the flowers situation ;)
He doesn't overkill it, but when he picks 'em, he does well & times it well too
xo

Cheers to romantic candlelit evenings spent with the one who makes you smile

xoxo

One of my all-time favorite Frank Sinatra songs, he croons like no other...

Love blossoms

A Summer surprise

Guess who surprised me with these beautiful flowers as I opened the door? ;)


Ladies, what are your thoughts on receiving flowers?


I used to be a subscriber of flowers falling in the "trying too hard" category...but maaaaaybe that was because of the giver?


I've NEVER appreciated flowers on a first date, definitely too much! 
Are you making a move? Trying to win some points? OR are you really just being kind & generous & I'm too skeptical? 
Unless you really know the gal, 1st date flowers are a NO in my book!


Of course, the hopeless romantic in me, swoons & says awwww when I see it in the movies, so how come in real life I question the motive?


I've gotten in to the habit over these past few years of buying flowers for my home each week, to add a lil color & make me smile as I enter a room. 
I started doing it to show myself that I can treat "me" well & that I didn't HAVE to wait around for a man to send me some (which ironically I'd have been suspicious of...listen I know, I make no sense).


I'm glad I did learn how to listen to my lil joys & give in to them, but I will say, receiving flowers from a guy you're totally crushing on ~ no better feeling in the world!


Surrendering to my silliness & off to go smell my pretty flowers


Cheers ~

Are you for real?

**(Mom, this may be one post you want to skip...)

Okay, so when you last left us, we were like two giddy teenagers kissing in the bleachers while the night's sky lit up behind us ~ 


The fireworks came to an end (the show, that is) & back to reality we strolled. As the crowd of thousands exited we decided to skip the herd & lay on a grassy knoll & look at the stars, holding hands we shared more stories...(ok and maybe a few more kisses)


Back at my place, the fireworks continued. I will say it had been a while since the chemistry had been this good, I was very excited to know it still existed ;)
(One begins to question its existence after a couple of years of lackluster dates, & trust me, I'm so thankful to be proven wrong)


Now, I don't know if you're anything like me, but the 1st night I spend in a new place, I have trouble sleeping. I know, now you're asking "but aren't you at you're place?" 
This is true & he is like me ~ can't sleep in new environments... 
& I can't sleep for many reasons (adrenaline still pumping, overactive mind analyzing the evening, wondering if I should have held out longer, what if I snore? what if I fall asleep & when I wake he's gone? I need to wash my make-up off, but wait am I ready to go bare-faced in front of him? mind on overdrive!)


Finally he whispers, "are you awake?" Huh, maybe I was playing asleep pretty good...he says "don't hate me, but I think I should go, neither of us are sleeping. I promise I'll be back in the morning" (now mind you, its 3am!)
"Uh, sure, I  guess" (It makes sense, but the whole time I'm feeling my worst fears confirmed).
He lets himself out.


I fall sound asleep. (funny how that works)


I awake to the bling of a text - "knock knock"
(HE CAME BACK!!!) (I had my doubts, pessimist girl reared her ugly head there for a sec)
Its 8am & he's outside my door with coffee & pastries.


We crawl back in & have breakfast in bed =)


In all my years of dating, that was BY FAR, one of the COOLEST moves EVER!!
We both got sleep (why did it matter where) & had the energy to really enjoy each other the next day

Cheers ~